- Arne Slot is under immense pressure as the Liverpool head coach
- The Dutchman’s position is under threat after losing 18 games
- A major sack update has emerged live on Sky Sports
A definitive update has emerged regarding Arne Slot’s future as Liverpool head coach. Following the Merseyside derby win, the club hierarchy has reached a final decision on the Dutchman’s position for next season.
In a season that has often felt like a tightrope walk across the Mersey, the fog surrounding Arne Slot’s future at Anfield appears to have finally lifted.
Sky Sports cameras, usually the harbingers of managerial doom, beamed a different kind of update live from the AXA Training Centre today one that suggests Fenway Sports Group (FSG) are not yet ready to pull the trigger on a second successive summer of upheaval.
Despite the loud, lingering whispers linking Xabi Alonso with a romantic return to the technical area, the word coming out of the club is one of continuity rather than collapse.
For Slot, the reprieve has been earned in the most gritty of fashions. A clinical victory in the inaugural derby at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday has seemingly acted as a final proof of concept for the hierarchy. With a return to the Champions League now looking more like a formality than a hope, the decision makers in Boston and the AXA Training Centre have reached a consensus: the Dutchman stays.
It is a move that will likely divide a fanbase still reeling from a trophy-less campaign and the looming departure of Mohamed Salah, but for the powers that be, the stability provided by European qualification outweighs the risk of starting from scratch.
It is no exaggeration to say that no one foresaw the Reds falling off like they have this season.
After winning the Premier League in Slot’s first season in charge, the six-time European champions spent £446million on new signings with a view to progressing further.
However, the wheels have come off, with Liverpool knocked out of all cup competitions and sitting fifth in the league table.
Fortunately, finishing fifth is enough to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
That, though, is not sufficient to paper over the cracks, as Slot’s record of 18 defeats across all competitions this term is rather embarrassing.
Liverpool fans call for Slot to be sacked
More than the results, it is the lacklustre nature of the Reds’ performances that has frustrated the fans.
That is why there are increasing shouts for Slot to be sacked as the head coach, with many wanting Xabi Alonso to take over.
However, the unanimous stance of those in the higher echelons of the club has been to back the former Feyenoord boss.
Vinny O’Connor of Sky Sports revealed live on air on Tuesday (21 April) that Slot is expected to remain in charge of Liverpool next season.
According to the broadcaster, the Dutchman is set to retain the support of the Anfield hierarchy, who are also prepared to reinforce the squad this summer.
RB Leipzig attacker Yan Diomande has been identified as one of the top targets, while there are also plans to strengthen other positions.
FSG playing with fire by backing Slot
The Fenway Sports Group must be extremely careful when they make their decision about Slot.
In the head coach’s defence, this season may very much be an anomaly, with factors on and off the field contributing toward the team’s struggles.
It is a realistic possibility that Slot turns things around at Anfield, with the help of some fresh legs.
However, if it backfires, FSG will be forced to sack him a few months into the season after spending more money on players suited to his style of play.
Therefore, the Liverpool hierarchy are playing with fire by continuing to support the 47-year-old.
