A huge claim has now dropped regarding Arne Slot’s future as Liverpool’s head coach, with the pressure continuing to grow on the Dutchman.
The 47-year-old has endured a tough second season in charge of the Reds, following a memorable, title-winning first year at Anfield, with rumours of a rift with sporting director Richard Hughes even emerging.
Liverpool are languishing in fourth place in the Premier League table and out of the title race, and Sunday’s 2-2 draw away to Fulham was the latest disappointing performance and result.
Former Reds centre-back Jamie Carragher was among those left unimpressed after the game, speaking to Sky Sports about the champions’ form:
“This is not how you imagine a Liverpool team to play. I expected performances to improve. I understand the manager making it about results to build confidence, but the football is taking longer than most expected. We need to see more goals.”
Now, according to a report from Spain – admittedly, not always the most reliable of sources, it should be stressed – Liverpool are set to relieve Slot of his duties as early as this week.
The Merseysiders are “preparing for his departure after a season that fell far short of the initial expectations”, and “the team’s performance in the Premier League has ultimately condemned a project that never quite took off.”
Should Liverpool sack Slot this soon?
It remains to be seen whether this report will be proven correct, but opinion will be split over whether sacking Slot before next month has even begun is the right decision or not.
For now, he arguably just about has enough credit in the bank to keep his job – Liverpool are unbeaten in nine matches, even if it doesn’t necessarily feel like it – but huge improvements are needed moving forward.
Thursday’s trip to league leaders Arsenal is going to be a massive test of this Reds side, and it is easy to see them being comprehensively outplayed and beaten at the Emirates.
Managers are sacked too quickly in the modern game, so it is refreshing to see some patience with Slot, but if there aren’t clear improvements soon, it is hard to see him being in charge of Liverpool at the start of next season.