John Henry has spoken publicly for the first time on Fenway Sports Group's decision to fire Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, insisting FSG does not settle for mediocrity
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer
06:00, 06 May 2026
John Henry is determined to achieve success
John Henry is determined to achieve success(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool's principal owner, John Henry, has stated that Fenway Sports Group doesn't "settle for mediocrity" as the Reds approach the conclusion of a disappointing campaign.
The outgoing Premier League champions still need to secure Champions League qualification with three matches left, after suffering a 3-2 defeat to bitter Manchester United on Sunday. The result means Liverpool has now lost 18 times across all competitions, its highest tally in a single season since recording the same number under Brendan Rodgers 11 years ago.
Despite facing significant criticism, head coach Arne Slot currently maintains the backing of the Liverpool hierarchy, with another squad rebuild anticipated in the summer following the departures of Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson and uncertainty surrounding several other players' futures.
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FSG also owns the Major League Baseball franchise Boston Red Sox and sparked controversy last week by dismissing manager Alex Cora and members of his backroom team early in the campaign.
In an interview with Sports Business Journal, Henry made his first public remarks on the firings, stating that the conglomerate's entire sporting portfolio was affected.
"Fans get frustrated," said Henry. "The Sox looked terrible for (their) first 25 games. I remember a plane flying overhead when we (Liverpool) were beating Manchester United 7-0 (in 2023) that read 'FSG OUT!'
Henry will be keeping a close eye on Liverpool
Henry will be keeping a close eye on Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"It doesn't mean you ignore them, it means you work harder – you don't settle for mediocrity. You have to win."
Liverpool supporters have recently been demonstrating against the proposed ticket price rises over the next three years, while a section of the online fanbase has demanded that Slot become the first Reds title-winning manager to be dismissed.
Cora's dismissal shows FSG and Henry aren't scared to fire title-winning managers.
Cora led the Red Sox to a World Series championship in 2018, his first season as Boston's manager. It was his second successive World Series championship, having clinched the title as a coach with the Houston Astros the previous year.
Cora also won the World Series as a player with the Red Sox.
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In a statement after Cora was fired, Henry said: "Alex Cora led this organization to one of the greatest seasons in Red Sox history in 2018, and for that, and the many years that followed, he will always have our deepest gratitude.
"He has had a lasting impact on this team and on this city. He has led on and off the field in so many important ways. These decisions are never easy, but this one is especially difficult given what Alex has meant to the Red Sox since the day he arrived.
"I want to thank Alex, our coaches, and their families for everything they have given to this organization. They have been part of this club in a way that goes beyond the field, and they will always have our respect and gratitude."