“After his performance against Tottenham, do you think I’ll ever start him in another crucial match? I have a reputation to uphold here at Liverpool, and one player cannot come in and undo everything I’ve built!” These were the strong words of Liverpool manager Arne Slot, directed at a player reportedly responsible for costing the team key games.

It had been a challenging week for Liverpool manager Arne Slot. The pressure was building after a heavy loss to Tottenham, and much of the criticism was being directed at one player—Maximilian “Max” Rieder.

Once seen as a promising talent and a key part of the club’s future, Max’s recent displays had been disappointing. A series of expensive errors, poor choices, and a lack of effort had put Liverpool’s title hopes at risk.

Sitting in his office, surrounded by the weight of Liverpool’s rich history, Arne focused on the tactical board in front of him.

The door opened slowly, and Max stepped in, his expression a blend of determination and anxiety. He knew this conversation wouldn’t be easy.

“Sit down, Max,” Arne said, not looking up.

Max complied, trying to control his nerves. His usual self-assurance had diminished after weeks of underperforming, and now he felt as though he were walking a precarious path.

After a brief silence, Arne turned to face him, his expression stern and filled with disillusionment. “After your performance against Tottenham,” he began, his voice steady yet sharp, “do you really think I can rely on you for another crucial match? My reputation here is at stake, and I can’t let one player sabotage everything I’ve worked to build.”

Max’s stomach sank. He had known his mistakes had been costly, but hearing it from Arne was a bitter reality check. This wasn’t just about a single poor performance—it was about his entire future at the club, the future he had once envisioned and fought to achieve.

“You were on the field, Max,” Arne continued, now pacing. “But instead of playing with the passion and intelligence this team is known for, you became a liability.

I’ve given you numerous chances, but against Tottenham, you failed us. I can’t allow that to happen again, especially with everything on the line.”

Max wanted to speak up, to apologize and explain how hard he was working to regain his form, but the words stuck in his throat.

He knew Arne wasn’t interested in excuses. The manager had recognized his potential, but the growing cracks in his performances were impossible to overlook.

Leaning forward, Arne’s gaze hardened. “This isn’t just about you, Max. It’s about the team and this club’s legacy. If you can’t focus and perform, you’ll need to find somewhere else to do so.”

Max swallowed hard, the seriousness of the situation hitting him. He understood that his time at Liverpool could end just as quickly as it had started. He had been offered opportunities most players could only dream of, but now, he was on the verge of losing it all.

“I’ll fix this,” Max finally said, his voice soft but resolute. “I promise. I’ll work harder and make things right.”

Arne gave a small nod, though his expression remained unyielding. “I hope you do, Max. But until you prove it on the field, I can’t take any more chances. Remember—you’re not irreplaceable.”

Max exited the office, Arne’s words reverberating in his mind. As he made his way to the locker room, he wondered if he could earn back the trust he had lost. Would he find a way to return to the team? Or had his mistakes cost him everything he had worked so hard for at Liverpool?