Dietmar Hamann believes a ‘split’ is opening in the Liverpool fanbase surrounding Arne Slot, with some Anfield supporters growing restless with the Dutchman, while others are more patient when it comes to the one-time Premier League title winner.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot certainly wasn’t drowning in praise at the full-time whistle after their 3-2 defeat with Manchester United, on Sunday as three straight Premier League victories were ripped up at the hands of their North West rivals.
Heartbreak for the traveling Kop was sealed by Kobbie Mainoo, whose 77th-minute strike secured a late winner for Manchester United. The blow was particularly bitter for Liverpool, coming just after Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo had led a spirited second-half fightback to haul the Reds back into the contest at Old Trafford.
This comeback ultimately meant nothing, though, as the Reds’ defence kept being penetrated with ease, with Slot grimacing at the full-time whistle at his side’s Jekyll and Hyde display.
The toxic atmosphere at full-time told its own story supporters are now openly demanding a change in the dugout as the fear of a mediocre finish becomes a reality that the Liverpool players aren’t being trained hard enough, having been pictured on city breaks in the build-up to the Red Devils showdown, ex-Reds striker Daniel Sturridge has come to his defence.
Indeed, the now-retired centre-forward believes more time should be handed to the head coach, despite 11 Premier League defeats after their recent defeat on the road.
Hamann had been talking about this split in the fanbase before Liverpool’s crushing defeat at the Theatre of Dreams, with his points even more prevalent, with the context of the 3-2 loss now attached.
Hamann’s comments on Liverpool ‘split’
Just twelve months ago, the Anfield crowd was united in song, basking in the glow of a triumphant title parade and hailing Arne Slot as the architect of a new era.
Fast forward to the present, and that jubilant atmosphere has been replaced by a grim reality. The “hangover” of Slot’s second campaign has proved costly, leaving the former Feyenoord boss on increasingly thin ice as the Reds limp toward the conclusion of a 2025/26 season that will end with the trophy cabinet remaining firmly shut.
Losing 19 games in all competitions, too, it’s fair to say there is a split forming between those ardently defending Slot and those who want the 44-year-old gone, with his honeymoon period very much over.
Hamann, who lifted the Champions League with the Reds during his 283-game spell at Anfield, spoke on this divide in the fanbase coming to the surface, when speaking to NewBettingSites.co.uk, with the outspoken German declaring that it’s “only a matter of time” before the Dutchman is given the boot.
He said: “I’ve heard that Arne Slot will be there next season. I think there’s a case to be made that maybe a change of manager should happen or should have happened.
“But Liverpool have always been very loyal to their managers. He won the league last season of course so I think it’s a decision I can live with, and I think most fans can live with, if they have a decent finish to the season.
“Then obviously, you need to see what’s happening in the summer after the World Cup with players going, obviously Andy Robertson leaving, Mohamed Salah leaving. But yeah, I think it’s a decision that is understandable.
For probably the first time in a long time the fans are split, it’s a very knowledgeable fan base and they doesn’t usually sack managers. That’s obviously changed in the last 10 or 12 years because the game has changed and managers have to leave quicker than they did 20 or 25 years ago.
“But usually when the fan base turns, it’s a matter of time before the manager has to go. Now with Arne Slot, I think it’s split because of what he’s done last season. I think it’s probably the first time in a long time that it’s as split as it’s ever been.
“I think both camps have a case, but the club has to make a decision. And I think there’s been so much uncertainty this year. I don’t think there’s any guarantee a new manager will change things.”
Hamann has even spoken on the possibility of Xabi Alonso coming in to lift the mood at Anfield, with the fanbase so fractured.
He concluded: “Obviously there was a lot of talk about Xabi Alonso. I’m not sure whether he would be interested. I’m sure they would have asked him whether he would be if there was a change.”
Despite the masses being so divided on what should happen with Slot, the under-fire head coach will surely buy himself some more time if he can steer his inconsistent team to win against Chelsea this approaching weekend.
Liverpool FC: Remaining Premier League Fixtures:
| Matchweek | Date | Opponent | Venue |
| 36 | Sat May 9 | Chelsea | Anfield |
| 37 | Sun May 17 | Aston Villa | Villa Park |
| 38 | Sun May 24 | Brentford | Anfield |
Sealing Champions League football will be viewed as a success in the here and now, but long-term, Liverpool will want to be title challengers once more, with Slot perhaps not the right man to restore the Reds to these lofty heights.
