Liverpool's defeat to Manchester United was the club's 18th loss in all competitions this season, and there has been a twist in Arne Slot's future at Anfield
09:53, 06 May 2026
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Arne Slot's future at Liverpool has taken a shock turn
The fallout from Liverpool's loss to Manchester United on Sunday rumbles on. The Reds' 3-2 defeat against their arch-enemies represented their 11th league defeat of the campaign and their 18th across all competitions.
It marked yet another crushing setback for the defending Premier League champions in a season littered with disappointments. Since the final whistle blew at Old Trafford, talk surrounding Arne Slot's future has intensified once more, despite the Reds remaining in contention for a top-five finish this term.
In a rare interview, John W. Henry, the chief of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American sports empire that owns Liverpool, has discussed his vision for the club. Alongside his revealing comments, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest news from Anfield.
John Henry breaks silence
Liverpool principle owner John W. Henry
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John W. Henry dropped a hint on Arne Slot's Liverpool future(Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
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Liverpool's principal owner has declared that FSG will not "settle for mediocrity" amid the club's ongoing difficulties. FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 when the club were in crisis and have transformed them into a twice Premier League-winning outfit in the intervening years.
FSG also oversee Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox. They created headlines last week by sacking Red Sox manager Alex Cora and members of the coaching staff earlier in the campaign.
In a chat with Sports Business Journal, Henry, 76, broke his silence on the sackings, providing Liverpool supporters with a glimpse into FSG's thought process as calls for Slot's removal from certain quarters of the fanbase intensify.
"Fans get frustrated," acknowledged 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! It doesn't mean you ignore them, it means you work harder – you don't settle for mediocrity. You have to win."
Arne Slot's future becomes clear
Xabi Alonso
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Xabi Alonso has been backed to become Liverpool boss(Image: Getty Images)
Despite Henry's remarks, and recent actions by his group at the Red Sox that could suggest changes are imminent on Merseyside, Slot is set to remain at Liverpool despite mounting pressure - and interest from Dutch heavyweights Ajax.
Reports in the Dutch press indicate that the Eredivisie side were keen on bringing in Slot as they look to find a long-term successor to Fred Grim, who left the club in February. However, Slot is contracted to Liverpool until 2027. Earlier reports have hinted that the Anfield hierarchy are committed to standing by the 47-year-old and will afford him the opportunity to turn the club's fortunes around.
Views on Slot's future at Liverpool are wide-ranging. Former Liverpool ace Didi Hamann believes the Reds' head coach deserves more time.
"I've heard that Arne Slot will be there next season," the German commented. "I think there's a case to be made that maybe a change of manager should happen or should have happened... He won the league last season of course so I think it's a decision I can live with, and I think most fans can live with, if they have a decent finish to the season."
However, former England forward Gary Lineker reckons ex-Anfield star Xabi Alonso could be poised to take the reins this summer. "Would Slot be there next season? Eleven defeats in the Premier League, still in the Champions League positions," he said on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast. "I wouldn't be surprised if Xabi Alonso was there next season."
Alonso has been linked with the Liverpool job since Jurgen Klopp announced his exit in January 2024. Last summer, Alonso left Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid but was let go by Los Blancos earlier this year.
Senesi targeted
Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi
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Bournemouth's Marcos Senesi could join as a free agent(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Liverpool have reportedly stepped up their pursuit to sign Bournemouth centre-back Marcos Senesi, who is set to be a free agent in the summer when his contract on the south coast expires. The 28-year-old seemingly has no interest in signing new terms with the Cherries and the Reds are set to move to beat Tottenham to his signature.
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Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano said: "I had already mentioned quite clearly here that Senesi would stay in the Premier League. There has been and still is some interest from Italy, but he will remain in England. I’m told—and it’s confirmed 100%—that the Argentine defender intends to stay in the Premier League.
“He’s been performing very well at Bournemouth. His career was slowed by some significant injuries, but once he regained fitness and form, he’s shown all his quality in the Premier League.
“Senesi will stay in the Premier League, and beyond the two clubs I already mentioned—Chelsea and Tottenham, especially Tottenham, Liverpool have also entered the race quite strongly in recent days. So keep an eye on Liverpool, because they’re expected to make new contacts for Marcos Senesi. As for Italy, it’s not really a concrete option right now.”