Liverpool in Crisis as Klopp Return Talk Emerges
Liverpool's Premier League title defence has plunged into unprecedented crisis, culminating in a shocking 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest that has sparked speculation about a sensational return for former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The catastrophic loss at Anfield on Saturday, 23rd November 2025, represents a new low for Arne Slot's side, marking their sixth defeat in just seven league matches. This dismal run has left the defending champions languishing in 11th place, the first time in over a decade the club has found itself in the bottom half of the table.
Van Dijk's Stark Assessment of Anfield 'Mess'
Captain Virgil van Dijk offered a brutally honest assessment after the match, using words like 'mess' and 'panic' to describe the current situation. The usually composed defender admitted the players are letting their manager down.
'We are definitely letting him (Slot) down but we've let ourselves down as well,' Van Dijk stated. 'You look at yourself first and then you help each other, you help each other get out of this mess because at the moment it is a mess – that's just a fact.'
Despite the evident anger in the dressing room, the Dutch international emphasised the need for unity during this challenging period, which sees Liverpool facing seven matches in just 22 days. 'It is easy to point fingers but you have to do it together,' he added.
Klopp Emerges as Shock Favourite for Anfield Return
In a dramatic twist, bookmakers BetVictor have installed Slot's predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, as the favourite to replace him in what would represent an astonishing return to Merseyside. The German is currently priced at 4/1 to make a comeback.
Klopp, who now serves as Head of Global Sport for Red Bull, recently addressed the possibility of managing in the Premier League again, leaving the door open for a Liverpool return. 'I said I will never coach a different team in England so that means, if [I did return], then it's Liverpool,' Klopp revealed. 'So, yeah, theoretically it is possible.'
Other contenders in the betting include:
- Oliver Glasner – 5/1
- Andoni Iraola – 6/1
- Unai Emery – 12/1
Slot Takes Full Responsibility for 'Very Bad' Performance
Meanwhile, under-pressure manager Arne Slot shouldered complete responsibility for what he described as a 'very bad' performance against Forest. Goals from Murillo, Nicolo Savona and Morgan Gibbs-White secured Forest's biggest ever win at Anfield, inflicting Liverpool's heaviest home defeat since losing 4-1 to Manchester City in 2021.
'How bad that is difficult to measure but it was very bad. Playing at home, losing 3-0 no matter which team you face is a very, very bad result,' Slot admitted. 'I want to emphasise I am responsible for the current losses: you are responsible when you are winning but also responsible when you are losing.'
The defeat represents Liverpool's eighth loss in 11 matches across all competitions, casting serious doubt on Slot's future despite his title-winning campaign last season and the subsequent £500 million spending spree.
The Dutch manager remains determined to turn things around, insisting: 'Of course there is a way out, especially with the quality players we have.' However, with Everton potentially moving above them in the table should they win at Manchester United on Monday, the pressure continues to mount at Anfield.
