Gary Lineker has claimed that Liverpool could look at replacing Arne Slot with a new manager during the summer. After guiding Liverpool to the Premier League title during his first season in English football, Slot has endured a difficult second campaign at the Merseyside outfit.
It wasn’t the reaction the Reds faithful were desperate for following last week’s defeat against rivals Manchester United. It’s led to doubts surrounding Slot’s position as head coach, with Lineker hinting the club could look to make a change in the summer.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the ex-Tottenham ace explained: "Would Slot be there next season? Eleven defeats in the Premier League, still in the Champions League positions. I wouldn't be surprised if Xabi Alonso was there next season."
Chiming in on the debate, Alan Shearer added: ”I think in terms of what he did last season and winning the league, manager of the season. With the issues and the problems they've had at Liverpool this year, then yeah, I do. If it were my choice, I would have him as manager, yeah."
Meanwhile, Micah Richards remarked: "I think where the scrutiny comes is the signings. They've not worked. [Alexander] Isak has been injured, Wirtz has not been at the level we all expect, Frimpong is your right winger, your right-back, it's not really working out. [Milos] Kerkez has been a shadow of the player who was at Bournemouth. I don't know if that's pressure or if that's the system.”
It would take some collapse in the final two matches of the season for Liverpool to not finish inside the top five in the Premier League, given sixth-place Bournemouth are four points behind. Interestingly, Liverpool face the team directly below them in their next Premier League outing, with an away game against Aston Villa to come on Friday night.
Following that, Liverpool will end the season at home to Brentford in a match that could also have big implications on the European race. Brentford sit eighth in the table and are currently vying for one of the Europa or Conference League places.