Jurgen Klopp's three-word verdict speaks volumes as Liverpool and Arne Slot under pressure

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The reigning Premier League champions have been on a downward trajectory since their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in late September, despite managing to scrape through most of their games this season with narrow victories.Now languishing in the bottom half of the table, Slot's dreams of defending his title are in ruins, and the Dutchman is under intense scrutiny to turn things around or face the previously unthinkable prospect of being sacked.However, former manager Klopp had urged patience at the start of the season when Liverpool were beginning to show signs of struggle under Slot, although not to the extent they are now.The German called for fans to give his successor time, as the team was undergoing a transition period, something that is clearly evident now as Slot grapples with integrating £450million worth of summer signings effectively.Looking back on last year's managerial handover, Klopp said on The Diary of a CEO podcast: "We had a lot of contact after that. He's a super good guy.

He got the best out of this team, and they became champions in an incredible manner."It's not about Arne showing the world what he can do - it's about getting the best out of the team. That's exactly what he did."Change always has an impact.

And change always needs time."If he keeps the exact same team as last season - Darwin Nunez still there, Luis Diaz still there, for example - they start playing and have problems, [people say] 'We need change.'""Now the new guys are there, and they are really good players. It's just not working out at the minute."Summarising his view in three words, Klopp concluded: "Development needs time," before adding: "Nobody can change that.