Arne Slot can't carry on with Liverpool approach after jarring echo of Jurgen Klopp defeat

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For Arne Slot, the most worrying sound of Saturday would have been the clacking of plastic seats that was initiated by the cheap concession of a goal from Morgan Gibbs-White that ensured one of the grimmest home defeats in recent memory for Liverpool.With 12 minutes remaining and Forest three goals up, a steady number of Reds supporters had seen enough as they started their trudge back home having witnessed another dismal showing from the outgoing Premier League champions.There were echoes of Jurgen Klopp's infamous lament of feeling alone when fans streamed out long before the end of his first defeat in charge at home to Crystal Palace a decade earlier, albeit that when Liverpool were only 2-1 behind rather than heading for a record-equalling Anfield Premier League reverse.READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk issues brutal Liverpool statement as Arne Slot 'let down' by playersREAD MORE: Liverpool 15-year-old linked with Arsenal and Chelsea transfer scores againSlot, though, cut a similar solitary figure on the touchline as the sight of so many empty seats behind him in the Main Stand made for a jarring image.These are difficult times for the Reds boss, who is negotiating the difficulties that many of his predecessors experienced during their first season in charge. The matchgoing Liverpool support are still very much with Slot, but even those loyal are becoming a little unsettled by the manner of the last three defeats, all by a 3-0 scoreline.Virgil van Dijk's post-match comments of the players letting down their boss are not without credence - particularly when it comes to the Reds not having sufficient appetite for a scrap - but Slot hasn't helped himself with some curious team selections, appearing at times to think several steps ahead rather than addressing more pressing concerns.When appointing Slot 18 months ago, much stock was put by Liverpool in the former Feyenoord man being titled head coach rather than manager, his focus on training and coaching the team.That very much worked with the players he inherited who were already adjusted to the unique demands of playing for the club.

It simply isn't working and opposing teams have long targeted Liverpool's increasing shortcomings.With December fast approaching, the statistics for the calendar year paint a troubling picture for Liverpool that outlines their decline, at least in terms of results, hasn't been overnight.Since January 1, the Reds have played 48 games, winning 25, drawing only six and losing 17.Compare that to the previous 12 months, when they won 43, drew eight and lost only six. Under Slot alone, in that time Liverpool won 23, drew three and was defeated just once - at home to Forest last September.Indeed, since the Premier League win over Southampton in March, the Reds have won as many times as they have lost - 14 - and drawn only twice.

In the Premier League this season, every time the Reds have gone ahead they have won. Every time they have gone behind they have lost.It may come as a surprise that the last time Liverpool lost six out of seven league games was only less than five years ago during February and March of 2021, albeit with no supporters in stadia due to pandemic restrictions.That, of course, came immediately after the Reds had last won the Premier League, a further example of how Liverpool find it difficult to retain trophies - it will soon be at least 43 years since they have done so unless something remarkable happens during the remainder of the top-flight campaign.But while the visit of PSV could provide a much-needed injection of confidence - the Champions League has predominantly been a soothing balm this season - the following week will be the most critical for both Slot and Liverpool.A Sunday trip to an improving West Ham United is followed by a midweek visit of promoted Sunderland and then a clash at lowly Leeds United.