Gakpo Takes the Heat as Liverpool's Form Crisis Sparks a Call for Unity

Euro Clash at Anfield: Liverpool's Momentum in the Balance

Liverpool host PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday at Anfield in the fifth group-stage game of the UEFA Champions League.

The Reds are chasing a rebound after their 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

In the pre-match press conference, Cody Gakpo reflected on his long association with the club, noting it is special to be back and that he has learned a lot here, growing as a player and as a person off the pitch.

Slot's Challenge and the Road Back to Form

Addressing the downturn under manager Arne Slot, Gakpo admitted there is not an obvious explanation, but insisted the team must try to show its best, stay together, and focus on both on-pitch and off-pitch efforts.

He added that these are not the best moments, and the team must fight to overcome the slump; they have shown quality in big games—against Real Madrid as well as others—and must keep fighting and stay united.

They communicate honestly about the need for improvement to return to last season's level, and push for better performances in upcoming matches.

Gakpo also noted that avoiding criticism in the social media era is unrealistic, but staying united in the dressing room helps build confidence and bring improvement.

In Eindhoven, he said, Liverpool faced challenges similar to those at a big Dutch club, with advantages that come from a different context but still require focus and adaptation.

He stressed that winning several games with strong performances should breed confidence and that the side knows its quality, having shown it in multiple encounters this season and last.

He placed responsibility for the downturn on the coach, while also emphasizing accountability among players for their own performances and for supporting the manager and fans.

On new signings, especially Sweden's Alexander Isak, Gakpo noted that new arrivals require time to settle, and while progress is being made, a lack of wins fuels debate.

Regarding the dressing room dynamics, he said there was embarrassment after the weekend's 3-0 home loss and that the club's supporters deserve a response as the team works to repay their faith.

In the days that followed, the team focused on honest conversations and clear steps to improve performance on the field.

He closed by stressing the need to unite to deliver good results, and that the whole group must take responsibility; it was not a formal meeting, but a candid moment about expectations and accountability, with honesty as the key.

Slot's Future Under the Spotlight

The club reportedly took a final stance on Arne Slot’s future after the recent downturn.

Liverpool were beaten 3-0 at Anfield by Nottingham Forest in the latest league outing, the 12th round of the season.

The defeat marked the eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions.

Fabrizio Romano, a trusted voice on transfers, said Liverpool are not planning to sack Slot, and that ownership and management remain supportive.

Romano also noted that Slot knows things must change and that the club aims to restore the Premier League champions’ sparkle.

Liverpool is reportedly considering at least one January signing, depending on opportunities in the transfer market.

They currently sit 11th in the Premier League, with six losses and six wins so far.

Punchline: If Liverpool’s defense were a sieve, they’d probably win a prize for efficiency—it would still let through more water than a faucet on full blast.

Punchline: And if patience were a commodity, Liverpool fans would be billionaires by now; the market is wide open, and the stock keeps rising… for jokes, that is.