Dietmar Hamann, the former Liverpool player, believes the club will have already held talks with Jurgen Klopp after brutally claiming that Arne Slot will be dismissed imminently. The reigning Premier League champions are enduring a dreadful run of form, having suffered nine defeats in their last 12 matches. Their latest setback was particularly damaging as Liverpool were thrashed by PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.

It marked the third successive occasion Slot’s side had been beaten by a three-goal margin after suffering painful losses to Nottingham Forest and Manchester City either side of the international break. Multiple lacklustre performances arriving in such a condensed timeframe has led Hamann, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, to conclude that Slot’s tenure as head coach is finished.

He told Sky Sports Germany: “I believe Arne Slot has lost control of the team. It’s falling apart, everyone is doing what they want, like [Mohamed] Salah before PSV’s second goal.

“Liverpool will have major problems finishing in the Premier League’s top four. I don’t believe these problems can be solved quickly or easily.

“The situation is so complex that the club will certainly be discussing the manager’s position. Slot’s end is near. I never thought it would come to this after the brilliant season he had last year, but I believe his credit has now run out.”

A dramatic comeback for Klopp has dominated speculation following his recent admission that a return to Anfield was ‘theoretically possible’.

Hamann has subsequently weighed in on the prospect, with the 52-year-old suggesting preliminary conversations may have already taken place.

He said: “Many are already longing for Jurgen Klopp‘s return. If you ask the fans, many will surely say: “That would be something!

“How likely is it that he’ll return to Liverpool? I have no idea. But it would be the story of the decade. The club will already have considered alternative managers. I assume they’ve spoken with Klopp.”

For a return to materialise, Liverpool would first need to dismiss Slot, with the Dutchman believing he deserves additional time to reverse the club’s fortunes.

Following the defeat to PSV, he said: “I am feeling safe, I am OK. I have got a lot of support from above.

“It would be nice to turn it around and get a victory, of course, but if you are not doing well, then it is normal that questions are asked.

“I am OK with my position. It is not the first time I’ve been in a difficult position, but it is about time that we turned it around.”