Robbie Fowler sends major warning to Arne Slot over Liverpool’s struggles

Fowler calls for realism as Slot faces uphill Liverpool title challenge

Liverpool’s early-season struggles have left their Premier League title defence hanging by a thread, and former striker Robbie Fowler believes honesty and pragmatism are now crucial traits for Arne Slot and his squad.

After 11 matches, the Reds have already suffered five defeats — a far cry from the standards set during their recent championship-winning campaign. They now sit eight points behind leaders Arsenal and just as many ahead of 18th-placed West Ham, a reflection of how erratic their form has been under their new manager.

Fowler insists Slot must maintain public belief

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football, Fowler underlined that while Liverpool’s chances appear slim, Slot cannot afford to show doubt publicly. “You can’t say, ‘We’ve given up,’ because that sends the wrong message,” the former England striker said. “But as someone who’s been in those dressing rooms, you know the reality. It’s going to take near perfection from this point.”

Fowler, one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever goalscorers, referenced the statistical rarity of recovering from such a position. “History tells you there’s only been a couple of teams who’ve gone on to win the Premier League after six or seven defeats,” he added. “If Liverpool are going to do it, they’ll need to win virtually every game from here — even draws could be costly.”

His comments come at a moment when Slot’s project at Anfield faces its first real examination. Expectations were high following his arrival from Feyenoord, but inconsistency has plagued the team’s rhythm.

Slot urged to focus on performances, not points gap

While Fowler’s outlook might sound pessimistic, there’s reason to believe Liverpool can still mount a recovery. The season remains young, and with more than two-thirds of matches left, an eight-point deficit is far from insurmountable. Yet as Fowler noted, the room for error is wafer-thin.

To realistically retain their crown, Liverpool would need to finish with a points total somewhere in the high 80s. Given their current tally, that means dropping no more than 10–12 points across their remaining 27 fixtures — a target that demands almost relentless consistency.

For Slot, the key now lies in resetting focus and regaining momentum rather than chasing mathematics. Their next test against Nottingham Forest after the international break presents an opportunity to stabilise and rebuild confidence ahead of a demanding festive run.

Liverpool’s professionalism and mentality questioned

Fowler’s words carry weight not only for their logic but also for what they reveal about Liverpool’s mentality. The former No.9 knows all too well that champions are built on resilience and belief — traits that have been sporadic this season.

“Professionalism” was the word Fowler emphasised. Even if the title looks beyond reach, maintaining standards remains essential for both pride and progress. Slot’s task, then, is to ensure his players remain committed to that mindset, regardless of outside noise.

The challenge extends beyond points. Liverpool’s pressing patterns, defensive cohesion, and attacking fluency all require refinement. Slot, still adapting to English football’s pace and intensity, will need to find the right balance between tactical structure and creative expression if his side are to rediscover their spark.

Path forward for Slot’s Liverpool

As Liverpool look to navigate the coming weeks, Slot’s immediate priority should be to keep the squad unified. Confidence is fragile after a turbulent start, but a run of wins could quickly alter the narrative.

Fowler’s message, though blunt, carries a familiar truth: public optimism and private realism must coexist. For Slot, that balance may determine whether Liverpool can turn a faltering campaign into one that still commands respect — even if the Premier League trophy ultimately slips from reach.