Jermaine Pennant has revealed that Steven Gerrard wants Liverpool to give Arne Slot more time to turn it around.
The former Liverpool midfielder relayed a text message conversation he had with Gerrard amid mounting pressure on Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
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Slot is facing mounting pressure with Liverpool fourth in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
The reigning champions are fourth in the Premier League but a massive 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Many predicted that it would be a formality for the Reds to retain their title after splashing out £450m in the summer transfer window.
But results and performances on the pitch have not been up to standard, with a 1-1 draw with relegation candidates Burnley last weekend compounding matters.
This has raised questions over whether Slot could be sacked mid-season despite leading Liverpool to their second Premier League title last season.
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Speaking on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool YouTube show, Pennant revealed he had spoken to Gerrard about the situation.
Host Sam Ellard said: “I'm looking at fantasy booking here but maybe if we do get to the summer and Slot is in there and Xabi Alonso comes in as manager.
“He has a really good proven track record of success in the Bundesliga and stuff. I'd love Stevie to go in and work with Xabi as part of the backroom staff.
“Maybe not be the manager but imagine him to be around.”
Pennant then revealed: “I did message him saying get in.”
When asked if he replied, Pennant said: “Yeah, of course he did.
Steven Gerrard endured a dismal stint in charge of Aston Villa
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Gerrard has previously managed Rangers and Aston VillaCredit: Getty
“Look, full credit to him. He says, do you know what? I wouldn't wish anyone getting sacked.
"I don't want any manager to get sacked. Let's just give him time. That's his words.
“I just said, Stevie, we need you. We need you back.
“Get in. Please get in. He goes, look lad, I wouldn't want any manager to get sacked.
“He will turn it around. Let's just give him some time. Hopefully it will turn around.”
Should Arne Slot be sacked?
The mood at Anfield could be turning on Slot following recent results.
Jermaine Pennant speaking on Inside Liverpool
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Pennant revealed his text conversation with former teammate GerrardCredit: talkSPORT Youtube - Inside Liverpool
Ellard continued: “I love what he's done. I respect him. He brought us that amazing season last season.
“There's no hatred there. I don't want things to turn toxic. He's always said he'll never have to buy a pint in Liverpool ever again. But this at the moment now, this is just unacceptable, isn't it?
“I don't like sacking a manager midway through a season because I don't think the club will have a long-term option ready now.
“I mentioned on last week's show, maybe about Alonso coming in in the summer, but I'll float to you.
“This is a pure social media idea. It's not a rogue one, but someone like a Steven Gerrard, maybe until the end of the season.
“Over the last couple of months, it looks like there is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that Arne Slot seems capable of improving his team, getting the best out of them.
“I don't like the idea of sacking a manager midway through a season, but would an interim manager just to come in, obviously a club legend, to try and get them playing on the front foot, are we less likely to be able to go far in a Champions League and win an FA Cup with an interim manager?
“This does not look like he's getting better in any way, shape or form.”
Steven Gerrard as Liverpool interim?
Pennant played with Gerrard 66 times across his career and gave an insight into just what he could do to revitalise that Liverpool squad.
Pennant said: “I think there's probably a few bad results away from maybe going in that direction.
“We talk about Stevie. He was my captain and a leader. There was no way that it would be any different as a manager.
“Everything about him is Liverpool. He would get the basics because he demanded it of his players when he was playing underneath them.
Xabi Alonso
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Alonso is a long-term Liverpool target and recently sacked by Real MadridCredit: Getty
“You could hear him from miles away, shouting, press, close down, tuck in, get back, it was like a quarterback.
“He would get a tune, a different tune, a more energetic tune out of these players. The ability is there, we all know that. He would be getting them closing down, putting challenges in, tackling, giving no-one no time or no space, especially when they come to Anfield.
“He knew what it was like when teams came to Anfield, what was asked of us to make it difficult for everybody.
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“So the first thing he would do, when teams come here, make it disgusting, make it horrible. Don't give him a minute, don't give him a second.
“It's not major things we need to change, it's just little slight tweaks here and there. I think if he were to come in, you would definitely see a different team.”