From Premier League champion, in the race for survival

Just a year ago, Liverpool were on the verge of equalling a record 20 Premier League titles. Now manager Arne Slott is in a race to save the season, and perhaps his job.

A 4-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City last week knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup. And now, a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday has left the Merseyside club on the brink of elimination from the Champions League quarter-finals.

Adding to the title defence that faded early in the campaign, pressure on manager Arne Slot's future has increased, despite him winning the Premier League title in his first year in charge.

After the defeat in Paris, Sloti admitted that his team was in "survival mode."

His situation is further complicated by the fact that the team's current manager is Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool player who was also considered a candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp when the club icon leaves in 2024. Alonso is currently without a club, having been sacked by Real Madrid this season, and the chances of him being the next coach are high. Alonso won the title in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen.

also football 1 months ago Official: Liverpool sack coach Arne Slot

While Liverpool have given no indication that Slot's job is in jeopardy, the Dutchman has made it clear that failure to secure a Champions League place next season would be unacceptable.

Liverpool's best chance of qualifying for next season would be to finish well in the league table. England would also have the bonus of finishing fifth to qualify for the Champions League, after English teams' good performances in Europe this season. But even that is not guaranteed for Liverpool, who currently sit fifth, one point above Chelsea.

Sloti said in February that his players would need near-perfect form to secure a return to the top flight next season. Liverpool host Fulham on Saturday after three consecutive defeats in all competitions.

Main confrontations

Arsenal can further increase their points gap to 12th place on second-placed Manchester City if they win against Bournemouth. City play Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

New Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi will take charge of the team for the first time when they travel to Sunderland on Saturday. The club will be hoping for a quick response as they battle to avoid relegation.

But I can see myself in one of the bottom three positions, as 18th-placed West Ham United host last-placed Wolverhampton on Friday and have the chance to overtake Spurs.

also football 2 months ago Sloti is expected to stay at Liverpool for the next season.

Attention to the players

Mohamed Salah will return to Anfield for the first time since announcing he would leave Liverpool at the end of the season. It remains to be seen whether he will feature against Fulham after being left out of the starting line-up against PSG. His lack of form has been a factor in Liverpool's disappointing campaign, while the season has also been overshadowed by fan dissatisfaction with Slotin.

Arsenal and Chelsea face shortages

Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka and Jurgen Klopp against Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday and their fitness will be assessed ahead of the Bournemouth game. Chelsea's Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah were both absent from last week's FA Cup win over Port Vale. Manager Liam Rosenior said that game was too early for them as they are still recovering from ankle problems.

Liverpool fans protest

Liverpool fans are planning a protest because ticket prices have increased, starting with the match against Fulham.

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The fan group "The Spirit of Shankly" has asked fans not to spend money inside the stadium, to send a message to the club's American owners.

"This is a small act, but if enough people do this, it would send a clear message," the group said.