Liverpool in freefall: Slot vows to keep fighting despite worst run in 71 years

Liverpool are in freefall. Nine defeats in 12 games this season - their worst run in 71 years - has left Anfield in turmoil, and manager Arne Slot is firmly in the eye of the storm.

The Dutchman, who masterminded Liverpool's 20th league title in May and oversaw a £450m spending spree including a British-record £125m signing of Alexander Isak, refuses to bow to pressure.

PSV humiliate Liverpool and turn Anfield into ruined fortress

After the Reds' 4-1 humiliation at the hands of PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, Slot told reporters that talks with the club's owners and sporting director Richard Hughes were "the same conversations" he had had since arriving at Anfield.

"We fight on," Slot said. "We try to improve, but the conversations have been the same as they have been for the last one and a half years.”

The reigning champions now sit 12th in the Premier League with six wins and six defeats, while languishing 13th in their Champions League group - a stark contrast to the standards expected at Anfield. Former defender Jamie Carragher warned on CBS Sports that while Liverpool is "not a sacking club," there comes a point where the situation becomes untenable for any manager.

Slot acknowledges the pressure, especially after a season that has spiralled into an unfamiliar struggle.

"There is a lot of pressure if you work or play at a top club," he said.

"And then there is even more when you start losing more games than this club, players or the manager are used to… But now it's a different kind of pressure because we have lost so many games."

Despite the turmoil, Slot is confident his team can still respond.

"In the end, it’s about doing what this club is about. Keep fighting, no matter how difficult it is. It would also be nice if we reward ourselves in the moments we play well."

Slot also offered updates on key players: goalkeeper Alisson has returned to training and is expected to be available for the weekend clash with West Ham, while Florian Wirtz is on track to rejoin full training shortly. Forward Hugo Ekitike, who sustained an issue against PSV, "shouldn't be a big problem," Slot added.

Liverpool's Anfield faithful, however, will be watching closely - the club's historic status is on the line, and with every passing defeat, the pressure to turn things around grows ever more intense.