Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool.placeholder image
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool. | Getty Images
Liverpool slumped to defeat against Galatasaray which is the final straw for one former Anfield hero.
Results alone are enough for Arne Slot’s tenure as Liverpool manager to be threatened.
Jermaine Pennant fumes at Arne Slot decision
The result is a blow, but the performance suggests that brighter times aren’t just around the corner with Slot in charge. The Liverpool boss has overseen a squad overhaul, but by this time of the season, he should be getting more of a tune out of what is still a very talented group of players. It isn’t just the tactics either, some of Slot’s decision making with regards to some of the players in his squad is bizarre. His criticism of Calvin Ramsay in press conferences when he has had no fit right-backs is one with his use of Rio Ngumoha another.
This is a point that former Liverpool winger Jermain Pennant, taking to X, isn’t happy with either: “Ok I’m done with Slot now, played 65 mins and man of the match last game. 87 mins gone, every single player has been horrendous, and Rio has not come on…… please anyone tell, make it make sense please.” Pennant is right. How is Ngumoha going to learn how to handle the pressure in big games if he isn’t exposed to them? As seen against Wolves, despite only being 17, he remains the brightest attacking spark.
What is Arne Slot trying to do with Liverpool?
After nearly two seasons as Liverpool manager, there is one question that needs to be answered by Hughes and the decision makers – what style of football does Arne Slot play or want his team to play? Being a pragmatist is fine, but he still needs to find a way to win in whatever formation he sets his team up in. Last season is looking more and more like he won a watch with the form of Mohamed Salah. It was almost harder not to win the league given how ridiculous his numbers were.
Results have been poor despite a record summer spend, performances have been just as bad, even when the final scores have suggested progress. What is more worrying is that Slot simply doesn’t seem to know what he is trying to do against a low block or against a team that is open for counter-attacks. Add these issues to the availability of managers like Xabi Alonso and it would be a surprise if Slot is still in charge by the time that the World Cup is over in the summer.
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