Steven Gerrard believes Liverpool chiefs Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes will "rally around" Arne Slot and afford him time to reverse the current situation. Slot had come under fresh scrutiny following his side's 13-match unbeaten streak ending at Bournemouth on Saturday, with the reigning champions now sitting sixth in the Premier League.

However, Liverpool set aside their domestic troubles as they cruised into the Champions League last-16 with a commanding 6-0 triumph over Qarabag on Wednesday evening. Speaking ahead of that fixture at Anfield, Gerrard suggested that whilst Slot faces pressure, it stems predominantly from external sources.

"I think he is under pressure, for sure. I think there are large sections of the Liverpool fans that are very frustrated. Some have had enough," he told TNT Sports.

"I think his pressure is more external, media and supporters that are not happy with the form Liverpool are in from a league point of view. I think internally it will be different. Liverpool have got extremely strong owners, fantastic owners.

"I think they'd want to give the manager on the back of last season – and any manager for that point – as...