Football Insider exclusive as Liverpool manager Arne Slot stands in the rain as he glances towards owner John Henry, who features in a circular inset.
(Credit: Imago, Getty)
Jack Dawson
Tue 17 February 2026 6:30, UK
Arne Slot is set to lose his job at Liverpool if the Reds don’t qualify for the Champions League this season.
This is according to former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that he cannot see the Dutchman remaining in the Anfield dugout if they fail to reach Europe’s most prestigious competition.
Slot has been heavily linked with the sack all season after failing to get the best out of many of his new summer signings.
Currently, Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League after a poor run of form has seen them dip out of the top four.
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Arne Slot will probably lose his job if Liverpool don’t qualify for the Champions League
As it stands, Liverpool are destined for Europa League football next season.
While this is unlikely to be damaging to the Reds’ finances, especially if they quickly return to the Champions League for the 2027-28 campaign, it would be humiliating on a sporting level given the money they spent in the summer.
As a result, Slot has been tipped to be sacked if he cannot guide Liverpool to the Champions League this season.
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When discussing what the impact could be at Anfield if Liverpool failed to qualify, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson said: “I think it would be an irritation [for Liverpool], and he’d [Slot] probably lose his job. So it’d be enormous for Slot.
“But there’s a good chance he’s going to lose his job anyway.”
Winning the Champions League could be Arne Slot’s saviour
Another potential route into next season’s Champions League for Liverpool could be by simply winning the competition this campaign.
Despite their stuttering form in the Premier League, they have been solid in Europe and have already beaten Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
Liverpool finished in the top eight during the league phase; therefore are already into the round of 16.
Therefore, despite Slot’s terrible campaign to date, if he were to win the competition, it would likely absolve him of criticism and ensure their entry into next season’s edition.
Next up in the Champions League, the Reds will face either Club Brugge, Atletico Madrid, Juventus or Galatasaray.