Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures could have huge implications for Arne Slot, with FSG thought to be swayed by recent struggles.
Here we are again, looking at the Dutchman’s future. A 4-0 loss to Man City was always going to be damaging, but even more so because it means they have just one trophy to compete for now.
Liverpool fans are back on Slot’s case, and rightly so. The performance at the Etihad on Saturday was unacceptable. More of the same, and Paul Joyce suggests FSG’s steadfast support of the current manager is waning.
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Some PATHETIC displays 😡
Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
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Paul Joyce sends warning to Arne Slot ahead of a crucial Liverpool stretch
Joyce recapped the game for The Times, and made a claim that’s sure to be welcome news to many fans. He thinks, despite FSG’s rather stubborn stance with Slot, there is a limit to what they can tolerate results-wise.
As he puts it: “Liverpool owner Fenway Sport Group have been supportive of Slot, who won the Premier League title last season at the first attempt, but the looming fixture list is full of potential potholes that could challenge their conviction.”
New Liverpool Head Coach Arne Slot
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Historically, Joyce has been a reliable reporter on FSG, and this latest update makes sense. We’ve heard all the excuses and reasons to stick by the Dutchman, but the resolve of fans has been tested, as has that of the owners.
This game against PSG is the first — and perhaps most important — of this run. A tone-setter. If it’s another demolition like we saw at City, surely something has to be done.
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As per usual, Van Dijk’s comments to the media emerged the following morning.
He said: “Well, it’s a together thing, isn’t it? Obviously, he’s responsible as the manager, but we are the ones on the pitch that have to do it.
“I’ve been repeating myself too many times. You know, obviously, it goes out in the media because obviously I’m here all the time. We let our fans down. We let ourselves down and the manager, but we let our fans down.”
The Liverpool captain is acutely aware of his culpability in the loss, giving away an uncharacteristically rash penalty to send City on their merry way.
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The errors are beginning to pile up…
Manchester City v Liverpool - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Despite Liverpool’s struggles, Van Dijk is sticking by Slot, and not allowing all the blame to fall on the manager’s shoulders. A sign of leadership, but ultimately moot if results don’t get better.
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