Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes has come to the defence of Arne Slot and the club's transfer dealings.

Reigning champions Liverpool find themselves sixth in the Premier League, 14 points adrift of leaders Arsenal and two further behind Manchester United, who occupy the final Champions League place. 

Despite starting their domestic campaign with five straight victories, Liverpool have endured a difficult run, including a stretch of one league win in seven matches. Prior to their 4-1 victory over Newcastle United last Saturday, Slot's side had gone five top-flight games without a win.

The increased scrutiny on the Liverpool boss comes after a summer of big spending, which saw a move for Alexander Isak break the British transfer record. 

Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Giovanni Leoni also arrived at Anfield, while the Reds completed a reported £60m (€69.5m) deal for Jeremy Jacquet on Monday to end the winter transfer window, with the defender joining the club this summer. 

But Hughes, speaking to The Reds Roundtable, defended the club's transfer business.

"You want to be there to support them and not suffocate them with it, let them find their own feet," Hughes said. 

"All these players are here for a very good reason, they are top players. Everybody has played their part in getting them to the club and we were all very happy with what we did in the summer, not just me.

"Whether they are good, bad or indifferent in terms of signings, there's no proprietary felt in my position, it's a collective effort that helps these boys translate their form for which they have been brought to the club and be the best version of themselves.

"As long as the players are the right ones in the first place, and we are absolutely convinced every time we bring someone in that they are, then the performances on the pitch will quickly follow."

There have, however, been signs that some of Liverpool's transfers are beginning to click. 

After their contributions against Newcastle, Ekitike and Wirtz have combined for six goals in all competitions this season, more than any other Premier League duo, assisting three goals each.

It was also Liverpool's first Premier League win when conceding first since April last season against Tottenham.

And while some of the pressure has been lifted from Slot's shoulders, with the Reds also automatically qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League, there is speculation the Dutchman could leave the club at the end of the season. 

Hughes, however, spoke of his positive relationship with Slot, saying: "Of course we talk about football and performances, but I always let Arne lead that. 

"Naturally, in a conversation I will come up with an opinion and not just react to Arne's, but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical.

"Did it help that we came in together at the same point? Possibly. But it's more important that we had synergy right from the first moment.

"Understanding who he is as a football manager, how he wants to work and trying your best. It's not always possible to put them in the best possible position to have all the tools they require, and that's what I feel my job is."