Arne Slot is fully expected to be in charge of Liverpool next season, according to a reliable source.
The Dutchman has been under heavy media pressure for months. Liverpool are enduring what is a disastrous season by their high standards, despite shattering spending records last summer off the back of winning the Premier League.
Various outlets have reported that Slot could be out of a job this summer, with Xabi Alonso, the 47-year-old’s heir-apparent and a former Liverpool fan favourite, currently available.
It is an easy link to make. After all, Alonso was widely believed to be the Reds’ first choice following the departure of legendary manager Jurgen Klopp in 2024. He ultimately opted to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another season, paving the way for the Anfield club to appoint Slot.
This narrative, though, has increasingly come under scrutiny. Recent reports have suggested that it wasn’t as clear-cut at the time and that there were major reservations over Alonso’s playing style as he favoured a back-three during his tenure at Leverkusen.
Liverpool don’t want to sack Slot
Admittedly, these reports seemed like damage limitation and an attempt by the club to boost Slot’s legitimacy. However, David Ornstein has now also pushed back against the idea that Alonso would be a shoo-in to replace the incumbent.
The “suggestions” Ornstein has received are that Liverpool are not seriously considering the Spaniard right now and that they have no appetite to sack Slot in the immediate future.
This is also backed up by a fresh report from Sky Sports, which reveals that Slot is fully “expected” to be in charge of Liverpool next season. The Reds are close to achieving their goal of securing Champions League football after beating Everton at the weekend.
Club legend Jamie Carragher similarly said on Monday Night Football: “The noises I am hearing is Slot will be the Liverpool manager next season if they can secure Champions League qualification, which they look like doing right now.”
Slot saved by mitigating factors
There is no denying that it has been a subpar season from Liverpool, but the club’s hierarchy is willing to give Slot the benefit of the doubt. It is acknowledged that he has been dealt a difficult hand.
It all started, of course, with the tragic passing of striker Diogo Jota in the summer, which created a need to sign two new strikers rather than just the one as originally planned. As a result, Liverpool’s attack has looked unrecognisable this season.
The need to build chemistry and the lack of Premier League experience of the new signings meant that this was seen as a transitional season by club chiefs.
The worry, though, will be that it could be the same story next season, given that club legends Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will need to be replaced this summer. Goalkeeper Alisson is also being linked with an exit.
Injuries have been another key factor. After suffering very few problems on that front last season, Liverpool have been devastated by injuries this season, with several important stars being sidelined.
Still, Slot must be on thin ice next season. He has looked like a man without a plan this term, which has been reflected in Liverpool’s mostly abject performances.
The fact that they are on course to qualify for the Champions League is more down to Chelsea’s incompetence rather than their own competence. Slot and Liverpool need to get it right this summer.
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