You'd be forgiven for expecting Arne Slot's Liverpool to win the 2025/26 Premier League title after doing so at a relative canter in the Dutchman's maiden campaign. That is far from the case, however, as they've now lost nine of their last 12 matches in all competitions and have, as a result of their turgid displays, dropped into the bottom half of the English top flight table.
For the time being, Slot's position in the Anfield hotseat is secure. Reports have suggested that he is aware of being under the cosh – but the Reds' boardroom bosses retain their faith in the 47-year-old, who arrived as Jurgen Klopp's worthy successor in the summer of 2024.
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Irrespective of the reports suggesting that Slot is safe for now, that hasn't prevented a number of Liverpool figures – including Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard – from sticking their noses in and giving their two pence. But what do the aforementioned duo, two players etched in Anfield folklore, alongside Steve McManaman, Stephen Warnock and Danny Murphy think of the situation?
Danny Murphy
danny murphy
Ex-midfielder Danny Murphy also echoed the sentiment that it may still be too premature to decide that Slot is no longer the man for the job. “Let's hope we don't have to have that conversation," he explained on talkSPORT ahead of Liverpool's 4-1 loss to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. He did admit the Merseysiders have a tough period in the foreseeable future with matches against West Ham and Sunderland needing to result in wins.
“I like Slot, especially after meeting him – he's got a bit about him. He's bright, he's warm. But it doesn't matter what you've done before or if you're liked. It's irrelevant when you're constantly losing games with Liverpool.
"So he's got a big, big week ahead of him," Murphy concluded. Slot, who is still widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football, has been outclassed by managers in charge of far less talented teams since their curtain-raiser in August and, as a result, winning against West Ham and Sunderland is no longer a guarantee on the basis of their rigid form on all fronts.
Jamie Carragher
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A man who has never been afraid to offer his thoughts, Jamie Carragher has become a football broadcaster's dream thanks to his combination of tactical analysis and made-for-consumption personality – but what are his thoughts on Slot's position? "Liverpool isn't a sacking club. They are different from almost every top club in European football where the manager is the king," he said speaking to CBS Sports.
"The managers get time. Liverpool have never sacked a manager who has won the league. I couldn't believe after the weekend [defeat to Forest] people were talking about the manager's job, but it's only going to amplify now. I've always been in the camp of you stick by the manager. I'm angry with the players."
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Stephen Warnock
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Is Stephen Warnock – who, in between a series of loan spells, played for Liverpool 67 times between 2000 and 2007 – in the same boat as Carragher, who believes the blame is more on the players? The twice-capped England international admitted his disappointment over his former side's fall from grace but believes a 'knee-jerk reaction' would not be sensible from the Reds.
"I don't think there should be a knee-jerk reaction," he said before adding that it was not all sunshine and rainbows when they were winning football matches at the start of the 2025/26 campaign. "I think this is a very tough moment at Liverpool for one reason or another, but the one thing I'd say is that things weren't right at the start of the season either, when they were winning."
Steve McManaman
steve mcmanaman
Making it four from four so far, Steve McManaman is also of the belief that sacking Slot after their torrid start to the 2025/26 campaign would be too premature. "I think no," the Liverpudlian, who won the FA Cup and League Cup with the Reds, said on TNT Sports: "I think it's far too early [to sack Slot]. What he’s achieved and where he is now this year, that's a good run of fixtures.
That said, McManaman believes the fact that Liverpool are still in with a chance, irrespective of how slim it is given their current standards, of winning the Champions League means that people shouldn't be calling for Slot's head yet. He does, however, understand the rising concerns.
"I understand the question completely, but with that run of fixtures, Liverpool still fighting in the Champions League, it's far too early to come up with a question like that. They will have to be knocked out of the Champions League and wallowing at the bottom of the league.”
Steven Gerrard
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Liverpool through and through, Steven Gerrard naturally wants what is best for the football club – and he was involved in the aforementioned conversation with McManaman, whom he agreed with. Speaking from his experience of going through the ringer as a manager, the midfielder-turned-pundit said: "That's the world we live in, that's football in the modern day. I've been in that position myself."
"You understand that if you're not getting the results, there are going to be serious questions asked, a stewards’ inquiry – that comes with the territory, especially at the top end. I agree, Macca."
Arne Slot following Liverpool's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Premier League - Manchester City v Liverpool - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - November 9, 2025 Liverpool manager Arne Slot looks dejected after the match Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
A former central midfielder who is widely regarded as one of Liverpool's greatest players of all time for his engine room dominance, Gerrard's opinion is effortlessly valued among the Anfield faithful, and he claims that the good days under the stewardship of Slot are around the corner. "From me and you, because we lived through it and suffered. I've been on both sides. It's going to come."