Former Liverpool star urges Arne Slot to make ‘huge decisions’ after recent struggles | OneFootball

Arne Slot Urged to Change Things Quickly After Nottingham Forest Defeat

Liverpool find themselves in a difficult spell, and the debate around how to arrest the decline has intensified. After the 3-0 defeat at Anfield, the conversation has shifted from frustration to genuine concern, and Danny Murphy has become the latest high profile figure to question the team’s trajectory under Arne Slot. His comments have added fuel to a discussion that will only grow louder as results continue to falter.

Murphy’s Call For Tougher Choices

Speaking to BBC Sport, Danny Murphy did not hold back in his assessment of the current issues. He argued that Arne Slot must make “huge” decisions if Liverpool are to regain control of their season. As he put it: “The expectation is higher because of the amount of money invested was huge, even for Liverpool.”

With pressure increasing on both tactical direction and individual contributions, Murphy suggested that the manager will “take a lot of stick over the next week or two” as criticism mounts. He went further, pointing toward a split in responsibility between coach and squad. “The reality is that he is the manager and needs to take some responsibility but the players have to look in the mirror.”

Photo: IMAGO

Murphy highlighted the worrying drop in standards from the established core of last season. In his view, “out of last year’s players, only Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Robbo have gotten close to the levels of last year and that’s not good enough.” His assessment of Liverpool’s summer business was equally stark, noting that only Hugo Ekitike has met the level expected of a Liverpool forward.

His prescription was uncompromising. “What can Slot do? He has to make some huge decisions, and that means leaving some huge players out.” He added: “Going back to basics. Defending better. Working harder and being more physical. It sounds simple but he has to pick his most physical eleven who will defend the best. Don’t be thinking of titles and Champions League, it’s about the next game.”

That sentiment echoes Wayne Rooney’s recent suggestion that benching Mo Salah could “send a message” to the squad. While David James has urged a more measured approach, arguing that cup runs might provide stability, the range of opinions reflects just how divided the reaction has become.

Slot Faces Critical Week Ahead

Liverpool’s loss to Nottingham Forest has been described as historic, with Forest joining a very small list of visiting sides to win at Anfield by three or more goals in the Premier League era. The reigning champions now sit 11th in the table, having suffered six defeats in seven league matches, and the sense of urgency is unmistakeable.

A crucial Champions League meeting with PSV Eindhoven now looms, and for Arne Slot, it feels like an early season crossroads. Whether the solution involves tactical reshaping, bold team selections or a renewed intensity, the message from Danny Murphy is unmistakable, Liverpool must find answers quickly.

His comments capture a growing view that something substantial must shift, and the coming fixtures will show how Slot chooses to respond.