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Why Liverpool will not sack Arne Slot: Manager retains FSG backing

2 May 2026 13:50 BST | 4 min read

Arne Slot, Liverpool, 2025/26

Liverpool owners FSG have no intention of sacking manager Arne Slot currently, despite a comparatively poor campaign for the Anfield club.

Having lifted the Premier League title last season, Liverpool find themselves 15 points behind leaders Arsenal and still not secure in a Champions League spot for next season.

That would come if they were to beat Manchester United in a crunch match on Sunday, which would effectively secure Slot’s position going into the summer months.

Why Liverpool will keep Arne Slot

After spending a record €470 million a year ago, it had been expected that Liverpool would put up a strong challenge for the title. This has not materialised, and their failure to be competitive at the top-end of the table has led to strong rumours suggesting that Slot will be sacked.

Liverpool expert Paul Joyce, though, has explained to The Times that the Reds board intends to stick by the Dutchman.

“Slot retains the backing of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the Liverpool owner. The belief is that this campaign has thrown up a series of unforeseen challenges - some unprecedented, such as the death of Diogo Jota in pre-season - and that the Dutchman deserves the opportunity of a third season in charge.

“FSG feels that the coach who won the Premier League title in his first term in charge has not disappeared, but Slot must prove that faith is not misplaced. He must also do so against a backdrop of scepticism among some supporters whose confidence has dwindled after a season in which there have been 17 defeats.”

As well as Jota’s tragic passing, Liverpool have been gripped in an injury crisis for much of the season. Record signing Alexander Isak has spent much of the campaign on the sidelines while fellow new arrivals Giovanni Leoni, Hugo Ekitike and Jeremie Frimpong have all suffered serious injuries. The issues at right-back have been especially chronic.

Alexander Isak: Has spent much of his debut Liverpool campaign injured

Slot faces challenging summer

Another major shake-up is likely at Anfield, with Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson both having already announced their intention to leave, while Ibrahima Konate’s situation remains in the balance with less than two months before his deal expires.

Joyce also reports that Alisson, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Federico Chiesa and even Alexis Mac Allister could depart.

And he has outlined the significant challenges facing Slot as he goes into his third season in charge of Liverpool.

Arne Slot still faces challenges

Asked about the Reds’ chances of competing for the Premier League title again, he replied: “Too many questions remain unanswered.

“Who is the first-choice goalkeeper next term? What’s happening at right back if Bradley is still feeling his way back to fitness? Who is Virgil van Dijk’s partner? Will Kostas Tsimikas return from loan and really be Milos Kerkez’s back-up? Who is replacing Salah? Can Wirtz and Isak consistently inspire? Will Slot be able to instil an entertaining style of play? That’s without debating whether a natural No.6 is needed to strengthen the midfield.”

Slot may have FSG’s backing for now, but the Dutchman has a whole lot of work to do in order to turn their season around.