After a testing weekend, Arne Slot has responded to suggestions he needs to prove himself at Liverpool in the way you would expect.
It’s a trying time for Slot right now. Liverpool’s injury problems have eased, but still far too many draws and a fanbase growing somewhat impatient.
That melting pot of frustrations bubbled over on Saturday, when Anfield filled with boos at full-time, a reaction that many felt was coming after recent poor displays.
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What would your response be to Virgil van Dijk?
Liverpool supporters have had enough this season 🫣
Virgil van Dijk pictured in action during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images/Giuseppe Cottini).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Guiseppe Cottini
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What followed was a cohort of fans calling out Slot and questioning his capabilities as a manager.
Arne Slot reminds critics of the context behind his Premier League title with Liverpool
Slot has never shied away from media duties, whatever the climate at the club may be.
Ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League tie against Marseille, he sat down with TNT Sports and was asked whether he could still be successful at the club.
He said: “Do people not expect that to be possible for me? To be successful? It’s new to me, but if you’re one-and-a-half years in the job and have already won the Premier League, when the club has won it twice in 30 years, I’m surprised to hear that.
Arne Slot, manager of Liverpool lifts the Premier League trophy with his team after the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images/Getty Images For The Premier League
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“But if that is the situation, then I have to accept that. I’ve tried the same things as last season this time around.”
That response is going to spark mixed reactions, no doubt. It’s confidence from Slot regarding his ability, though his straight-talking nature can rub some Liverpool fans the wrong way.
Patience urged by Slot, who has the club’s firm backing according to Ben Jacobs
After making his main point, Slot wrapped up by asking for patience from the fans.
He remarked: “Everyone knows what we need to do in order to make the next step in this transition phase, but sometimes a bit of patience is needed.”
Which would you rather?
Slot wins the Champions League and stays at LFC, or wins the FA Cup but is fired 🤔
Arne Slot looks on ahead of Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Inter Milan at San Siro (Credit: Getty Images).
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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That’s a pretty strong message of unity from the manager, and it’s supported by another fresh development. Around the same time as Slot’s interview, Ben Jacobs came on talkSPORT to share what he knows about the Xabi Alonso rumours.
He said: “Regarding Xabi Alonso and Liverpool, it’s Slot and Liverpool. And for now, Slot retains the pretty firm, I’m told, backing of the hierarchy.
“And no doubt, come the end of the season, there’ll be a review based on where they’re at. But all signs point to Liverpool sticking with their appointment rather than having their head turned by Xabi Alonso being available mid-season.”
Barring a total calamity, Slot’s staying until the summer. It might be time to quell the sacking talk and get behind him for the rest of the season. There’s still the Champions League to play for.
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