Arne Slot‘s future at Liverpool is now further under the microscope as his side slumped to another withering defeat, but there is a case for and against parting ways.
The Dutchman insisted he still “feels the trust” of the Liverpool hierarchy after the 4-1 defeat to PSV, saying he is “not worried” about losing his job.
Nine defeats from 12 games is enough to have managers packing up their office at other clubs, though, and fierce debate exists among supporters as to whether that should be the case for Slot.
The same issues persist with few signs of finding a way out of the malaise, but is it the right move to part ways or not? Here are some reasons for and against (this includes being the devil’s advocate!)
Why Liverpool could sack Arne Slot
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, November 25, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during a training session at the AXA Training Centre ahead of the UEFA Champions League match between Liverpool FC and PSV Eindhoven. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
1. He looks to have lost the dressing room
The writing is often on the wall when you lose the players, and it looked that way against PSV as the players failed to show the fight or response from the previous defeat.
They were not playing for Slot, and you could question if they were even playing for each other, such was the lack of movement, energy and intensity.
Few seemed to know what was being asked of them, even defending set-pieces Aaron Briggs (set-piece coach) looked to be making them more confused.
2. Slot’s admitted he’s confused about how to fix it
Prior to PSV’s visit, Slot told TNT Sports: “I’m also, like so many others, confused. How is this possible with so much quality available that I cannot find a way of winning with my team?”
An honest admission that shows why we have seen Slot make the same choices over and over again, and why there has been no glimpse at how the team turns it around.
The issues with Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Milos Kerkez remain, goals are still being leaked and scoring seems like quite the feat despite the record summer investment.
Not to mention he is continually rewarding poor performances while overlooking those who have the right attitude and application, you know what they say about insanity!
On that, it creates no motivation for the players without competition to perform and those being left on the bench have no incentive to push for a spot in training as they know they won’t be picked regardless.
3. To provide a new voice for the players
As it stands, Slot cannot get through to the players nor inspire them and that is what a new voice can offer: solutions to issues that the Dutchman admits he has no answer for.
A fresh perspective and someone excited to take the role on, changing the energy and offering clear instruction on what needs to change and someone who won’t reward mediocracy.
So while Slot may not be the problem, he is not showing he is the solution either.
4. To rediscover lost identity
An intense press? Not any more. Hard to break down? No. Quick on the transition? No. An attacking force? No.
There are little to no qualities you can attribute to Liverpool currently, whether it be in the style of playing or the application.
Liverpool are in crisis mode and have been since the defeat to PSG last season. Slot was hired on his tactical capabilities and he convinced Wirtz and Co. to join due to that, but where is it?
With no noticeable changes, Liverpool are without an identity and the longer the decision is left unmade, the more damage that is inflicted.
Why Liverpool could look to stick with Slot
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, November 1, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot acknowledges the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
1. There is no obvious replacement
The Liverpool job is coveted and any contracted manager will be contacting their agent to try and put them in the mix, but as it stands there is no obvious replacement option.
It should not be the sole reason for a lifeline, because what standards does that set, but it will be in the thinking of the club’s hierarchy having invested in Slot.
He is a young manager experiencing adversity of this kind for the first time and with a squad full of quality, there will be an expectation fortunes can change with the head coach they extensively analysed over another unknown entity.
2. No guarantee Liverpool would be in a better position long term
This point extends on the last in regards to what it would mean for Liverpool moving forward.
If they don’t get the next appointment right that could result in three managers/head coaches in less than two seasons, unheard of for the club.
It would not be a rash decision to part ways with Slot as the entire calendar year has lacked tactical prowess, but some will say, ‘Be careful what you wish for’.
He won the Premier League in his first season, which is not to be sniffed at, and the season is still young.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 19, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
3. It is not all on Slot
It is the way the industry works that the manager is the first to fall as it is easier to move on one figure than several throughout the squad.
But while Slot has his fair share of downfalls, Richard Hughes and Co. are not without blame for their summer strategy, nor are the players for their performances and effort levels.
There is so much at play, more than you expect supporters will come to know, and after his title win there will remain credit in the bank for him to fix it.
4. Liverpool are not a club who are quick to pull the trigger
In the club’s 133-year history, they have had 21 full-time managers – that is not a history of pulling the trigger, it’s standing firm on the initial decision.
Roy Hodgson is the obvious exception to the rule, and for good reason, after winning just 13 of his 31 games in charge, but Jurgen Klopp was a lesson in giving a manager time.
The obvious caveat is the squad Slot has at his disposal, but Liverpool are not in the business of having a rotating door policy when it comes to their managers.