'An inevitable departure' - Murphy on Slot

Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group face a familiar dilemma. As the reigning Premier League champions continue to suffer an alarming decline, and fan discontent rises, FSG must decide what to do about head coach Arne Slot.

Slot has lost the faith of many supporters, with former Liverpool and England midfielder Danny Murphy telling BBC Sport it is a conundrum he feels will end with the Dutchman's departure within months.

There are currently no indications that FSG are planning to part with Slot, but the voices of Liverpool supporters are rising in volume against him. Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea was played out in an atmosphere of toxicity rarely heard at Anfield.

Now former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso is the name on the lips of The Kop.

Murphy believes Slot's departure is now purely a case of when rather than if, given the increasing revolt in the stands.

He told BBC Sport: "Slot has won a title, which Brendan didn't do, so on the surface it would make more sense to stick with him, and I do feel strongly it is unfair to say he only won the title with Klopp's team. That's just not right.

"The problem Slot has got, especially at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is that when the fanbase turns, you are really, really struggling to get them back unless you win every game, then not just win, but win in a style Liverpool fans expect and demand.

"This season you have seen Liverpool being dictated to by the way other teams play at Anfield. Fair enough, it's different away from Anfield, but at home you expect Liverpool to be going after you, not giving you time to breathe. Too often it's not been like that."

Murphy also feels FSG run the risk of falling behind should they follow the Brendan Rodgers template from 2015 and keep Slot in place.

He said: "What you're doing then is taking the huge risk of banking on starting next season amazingly well, with everything going brilliantly.

"I think that's unlikely, especially with the changes that are going to happen, so you're then behind 'the eight ball' because you might have to take a decision when everyone else is kicking on.

"I think we are looking at an inevitable departure whether it is now or a few months into the season."