Date: 31 October 2025
Author: TRNDR Sport
Liverpool’s Carabao Cup defence collapsed with a 3–0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Anfield — their third loss to Oliver Glasner’s side this season — but Anfield’s hierarchy are not preparing the trapdoor for Arne Slot.
Club backing holds
Despite six defeats in seven across all competitions, including four straight in the Premier League, senior figures retain faith in the Dutchman. Last season’s title win still carries weight and there is no appetite for a knee-jerk change, even after Slot’s gamble on youth backfired in midweek.
Klopp chatter won’t die — but it’s hypothetical
Speculation inevitably circles Jurgen Klopp, who told The Diary of a CEO earlier this month that a Liverpool return is “theoretically” possible given he vowed never to coach another English club. That hasn’t altered the current stance: Slot stays, Klopp talk remains just that — talk.
Fans split, but Anfield voice matters
Some supporters drifted out on 70 minutes against Palace; many more responded by chanting Slot’s name at full-time. The manager called that response the night’s “most positive” takeaway and believes Anfield will roar the team on against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Centre-back question, January watch
Injuries and a failed summer move for Marc Guehi have left Liverpool light at centre-half, and Giovanni Leoni’s ACL setback tightened the squeeze. Ex-Red Didi Hamann has pushed Nico Schlotterbeck (25) as an ideal signing — a potential heir to Virgil van Dijk who could overlap for a season or two. Bayern’s interest means any pursuit would be a fight, and Liverpool will have to decide whether to act in January, especially with Van Dijk now 34 and Ibrahima Konaté’s deal ticking down.
The window before the window: Aston Villa
The immediate test is Aston Villa at Anfield on Saturday night. Performance and points matter more than noise; Slot needs a show of control and conviction to halt the slide and quieten the clamour.
Big picture
- Result: Liverpool 0–3 Crystal Palace (Carabao Cup)
- Run: 6 losses in 7 (4 straight in the league)
- Stance: Club backing Slot; no change planned
- Speculation: Klopp open in theory, irrelevant in practice — for now
- Recruitment watch: CB remains a priority; Schlotterbeck touted
TRNDR verdict: The board’s patience buys Slot time — the players have to buy him breathing space. Villa at home will show whether this is a wobble or a crisis.
