The win over Everton this past weekend will have slightly eased the pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot, as frustration has grown amongst Liverpool supporters for months.
A season that had promising signs has crumbled underneath the pressure, and the Reds will be more than delighted to end the season with just Champions League qualification under their belts.
Following Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton Hove Albion on Tuesday, six points in the final five games should get the job done for the Dutchman’s team, but fans are left wondering what is next for the manager. Does he stay or does he go?
Speaking in an interview with Liverpool.com, former Reds midfielder Charlie Adam believes his achievements make him the ideal man to continue his work.
He said, “You have to remember he is the reigning champion of England. He’s come into a group off the back of a very successful manager leaving the football club.”
Slot adapting to difficult challenges
While things looked strong heading into the new season, in hindsight, it has been a tricky climate to overcome this season.
The squad still has holes that are yet to be addressed, while key players have either been out with serious injury problems or have been far below expectations.
The Scottish midfielder claims that players have had to adjust to the new environment on Merseyside.
“Alexander Isak, big signing, but he never had a pre-season and has been chasing fitness for a lot of the season. Hugo Ekitike, for me, has probably been the standout from the new signings this year.”
He continued.
“Florian Wirtz is a young player who’s come from Germany into the Premier League. It’s a totally different ball game.”
Many fans did agree with this argument, but at this stage, the club are still failing to see anything productive from the summer signings.
However, it’s not just them struggling, as Mohamed Salah has been far below his standards this season, and even someone like Ryan Gravenberch, who had an amazing season in Slot’s debut campaign, has been a shadow of himself across the current term.
The 40-year-old stresses that although silverware is the currency of success at the club, making the Champions League should be enough for him to keep his role.
“If they can make the Champions League, of course, you’re judged on winning trophies. But if they make the Champions League and they come through this season and they’re there next year, then ultimately, why would he not be manager?”
Liverpool’s powerful figures are neglecting the club
There are reasons why Slot can be defended, and one of them is the lack of squad building. Luis Diaz hasn’t been replaced, and Fabinho, who left in 2023, is still a piece of the puzzle the club hasn’t found.
They originally targeted Martin Zubimendi, but the Spaniard decided against a move to Merseyside before moving to Arsenal twelve months later. This is still an area that the club have yet to address.
Adam pointed out, “They couldn’t find that sort of number six that they’ve needed”, but how long do they need to figure that out? Richard Hughes, Michael Edwards and Slot all enter the final years of their deal this summer, Liverpool risk heading into a period of uncertainty.
This leaves the club in a precarious position, where deals have to be sorted, or heads need to roll, to enhance Liverpool’s long-term vision and put them in place.
Although Slot is not safe from criticism either. The club have offered a poor defence of their title, and the team still don’t look like a hard-working unit like they once were.
You can’t simply point the finger at Slot for all the problems this season, but he can’t be separated from it either, which puts his position under threat.
