Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces mounting scrutiny despite a 10-game unbeaten run stretching back to November, as the defending Premier League champions prepare to welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield for their FA Cup third round clash.
That being said, the 47-year-old has publicly admitted the title race is over, with his side sitting fourth in the table and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Slot conceded to the press earlier this week that the last thing Liverpool should be talking about at this moment is the title race.
The Dutchman emphasised that his focus has shifted entirely toward securing Champions League qualification, acknowledging it would take something unprecedented for Liverpool to retain their crown.
Even though they haven't lost a single game since that 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the pressure surrounding Slot has still intensified following successive draws against Leeds United, Fulham and Arsenal.
Arne-Slot Related
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The Reds have been underwhelming this season to put it lightly.
Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith warned that the Liverpool boss could lose his job if things continue as they are, describing the recent performances as underwhelming despite the unbeaten run.
Former Arsenal striker Smith insisted Slot will remain under pressure regardless of winning the league last year, with speculation linking Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement.
Monday's FA Cup tie against Barnsley represents an opportunity for Liverpool to reset and rebuild momentum quietly. The match carries added weight given last season's embarrassing fourth round exit to Plymouth Argyle, when Liverpool failed to score against the Championship's bottom club.
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Barnsley won on their last visit to Anfield back in February 2008, though that upset did not cost Rafael Benitez his job.
Slot is expected to rotate heavily following the physically demanding draw at Arsenal on Thursday. The upcoming fixture offers breathing space away from league pressures, but off the field, Liverpool chiefs are making contingency plans in the event they decide to hand Slot his P45.
Liverpool now eyeing 'top' Man United manager target Oliver Glasner
According to TEAMtalk this week, Liverpool have identified Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner as one of four managers on their shortlist should they sack Slot.
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The Premier League giants have no immediate plans to let him go, but TT sources close to the club reveal a comprehensive review is planned at the season's end to assess Slot's long-term suitability.
Glasner has also apparently impressed Liverpool's hierarchy with his counter-attacking style at Palace.
The Austrian turned the Eagles into a resilient unit despite limited resources and most notably led them to FA Cup glory last term, establishing himself as one of the Premier League's most highly-rated coaches outside the traditional elite.
Liverpool face serious competition for his signature, though.
Arch rivals Manchester United have identified Glasner as their 'top target' to become their next permanent manager during the summer, adding another layer of intrigue to the race for his services.
United are said to view the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss as the ideal candidate to rebuild their struggling squad following Ruben Amorik's dismissal.
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Glasner's proven Premier League experience represents a significant advantage over other candidates. He understands the physical demands of English football and has demonstrated his ability to improve players while working within financial constraints, qualities that will appeal strongly to Liverpool's model under FSG.
The Austrian joins three other names on Liverpool's radar. Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, previously at Brighton, is admired for his possession-based, fluid football, while Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola has serious admiration from the board too.
FC Porto's Francesco Farioli completes the list, with the young Italian catching attention through his innovative tactics.
Glasner has made history at Palace since his appointment at Selhurst in 2024, and he's now genuinely perhaps their best ever manager.
The tactician would be an exceptional candidate, and with his contract expiring this summer, Glasner is well and truly up for grabs.
General view of the corner flag inside Anfield before the match Related
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