Former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has urged his old club to give Arne Slot time to turn things around as speculation over the Dutchman's position at Anfield grows
Arne Slot
Emile Heskey wants Liverpool to give Arne Slot more time
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Emile Heskey believes talk of Liverpool manager Arne Slot being sacked is ridiculous. And while admitting Liverpool's crunch showdown at West Ham on Sunday is 'massive' in the context of their season, he has called on his former club to show patience with Slot and give him time to turn things round.
Liverpool head to the Hammers on the back of a shambolic run of nine defeats in 11 games, which has piled huge pressure on Slot. But Heskey believes the Dutchman still has credit in the bank from winning the league title last season at the first attempt.
Heskey said: "We always praise managers, and Slot got a lot right last season, whereas his changes and substations this time don't seem to be working.
"It's an accumulation of things, including new players coming in and the defence not being solid.
"Yes, the current run would see a lot of clubs sack their manager. But most of these wouldn't have won the title last season. Slot is looking over his shoulder, and the West Ham game is massive. You heap more pressure on yourself the more games you go without winning, while shipping goals.
"But sacking him? That's too drastic. He needs an opportunity to turn things round."
Former footballer and BBC pundit Emile Heskey whose two sons are both making their way at Manchester City
Heskey reckons it would be premature for Liverpool to sack Slot now
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Someone else needing to improve is Liverpool's British-record signing Alexander Isak, who has netted just one goal since joining from Newcastle in the summer.
Heskey knows what it's like to be a big money signing at Anfield, having broken Liverpool's transfer record in 2000, following an £11m move from Leicester City.
Heskey said: "Work harder, that's my advice. Get yourself up to speed. The intensity they play at now, that might have to change.
"He's finding it difficult right now. I didn't feel the pressure. I was playing in a team with two up front, alongside one of the best of his generation in Michael Owen.
"I knew what I was brought in for. To be more creative than full on scoring. Now it's different, because its' one up front - and the main focus is goals."
Florian Wirtz has struggled since his move to Liverpool
Florian Wirtz has struggled since his move to Liverpool
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Florian Wirtz is another new signing struggling to make an impact for Slot. Heskey said: "He needs to get used to the pace and strengthen himself, to resist the challenges.
"This league is not the same as any other one. He reminds me of (Phillippe) Coutinho. Very technical, getting the ball in pockets and gliding past players.
"Florian needs to strengthen in the right areas, Build the muscles, to be able to withstand tackles he's going to get."
Heskey, meanwhile, is so concerned about the escalating problem of abuse in football, he has decided to front a groundbreaking Football Safety App to tackle online and matchday abuse with real-time reporting.
He added: "We've all go to come together to make the sport a safer place. Bring more people in, not turn them away. Enough is enough."
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