Liverpool manager Arne Slot is reportedly set to remain at Anfield despite rising pressure, as Fenway Sports Group boss John Henry voices his refusal to accept "mediocrity"
12:26, 06 May 2026
John Henry has spoken out
John Henry has spoken out(Image: Getty Images)
The aftermath of Liverpool's loss to Manchester United on Sunday persists.
The Reds' 3-2 defeat represented their 11th league loss this campaign and their 18th across all competitions. It marked another significant setback for the reigning Premier League champions in a season riddled with them. Since the final whistle at Old Trafford, speculation surrounding Arne Slot's future has intensified, despite the Reds remaining in contention for a top-five finish this season.
In an uncommon interview, John Henry, the head of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American sports organization that owns Liverpool, has discussed his aspirations. His revealing comments come as a decision on Slot's future appears to have been made.
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Henry breaks silence
Liverpool's principal owner has stated that FSG will not "settle for mediocrity" amid the club's present difficulties.
FSG acquired Liverpool in 2010 when the club was in crisis and has since transformed it into a two-time Premier League-winning side.
FSG also oversees Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox. They sparked controversy last week by dismissing Red Sox manager Alex Cora and members of the backroom staff earlier in the season.
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool
Arne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking to Sports Business Journal, Henry, 76, broke his silence for the first time on the sackings, which have offered Liverpool supporters a glimpse into FSG's internal decision-making, as calls for Slot's dismissal grow among certain sections of the fanbase.
"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!
"It doesn't mean you ignore them, it means you work harder – you don't settle for mediocrity. You have to win."
Slot's future becomes clear
Despite Henry's remarks and his group's recent interventions at the Red Sox that could hint at an imminent change on Merseyside, Slot looks set to remain at Liverpool despite mounting pressure — and reported interest from Ajax.
According to Dutch media sources, the Eredivisie outfit was keen on luring Slot to the club as it searches for a permanent successor to Fred Grim, who left in February.
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However, Slot remains contracted at Anfield until 2027. Earlier reports indicated that Liverpool's hierarchy is firmly behind the 47-year-old and intends to give him the time needed to turn the club's fortunes around.
If Slot loses his job, one man who could replace him is Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard has been touted for the Liverpool role ever since Jurgen Klopp announced his departure in January 2024.
Last summer, Alonso departed Bayer Leverkusen to replace Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, but he was relieved of his duties by Los Blancos earlier this year.