Five matches, 16 days, a season to save: Slot’s Liverpool vision faces a defining moment

Starting at Manchester City in the FA Cup, Arne Slot must show doubters his plan for a team in transition can succeed.

UNDER PRESSURE: Steven Gerrard interviews Liverpool manager Arne Slot ahead of the UEFA Champions League round of sixteen, second leg. Pic: Peter Byrne/PA Wire.

There were more important reasons for Jürgen Klopp’s return to Liverpool last Saturday, but it was apposite his presence reminded Anfield of the unshakable bond and belief they once shared, the joy his football brought.

Those pillars of Klopp’s reign are weakening under Arne Slot and April may determine whether they are left standing at all.