Liverpool have continued to show support to Arne Slot over his position as head coach, according to The Times, despite growing pressure surrounding his job in the dugout at Anfield.
The 47-year-old oversaw a successful first campaign with the Reds, guiding them to an unexpected Premier League title triumph, but this season has been disappointing in comparison.
Friday night's dismal 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa saw Liverpool drop into fifth, which is set to be enough for Champions League qualification, but results elsewhere could put pressure on that position.
While loud calls of dissent come from the crowd, the latest comments from players within the Liverpool squad may only crank up the pressure on a manager who is facing a key week ahead.
Liverpool stand with Arne Slot move
Arne Slot
As pressure ramps up on Slot, the report from The Times claims that Liverpool have continued to stand behind him, and are planning a pivotal summer with him in mind.
The Dutch coach hasn't been the only person in the firing line, as sporting director Richard Hughes and FSG CEO Michael Edwards have been criticised for last season's transfer window that turned out to be far from ideal.
Both are also going ahead with planning for the summer, with the expectation that several limitations within the squad will be addressed with transfer arrivals.
The self-sustaining business model set out by the owners can only be done with Champions League qualification in mind, however, so it remains to be seen whether failure to finish in the top-five of the Premier League could change that outlook.
The mood in the dressing room may suggest that something needs to change soon, however, following a brutal dig from Mohamed Salah aimed at Slot on social media.
One snippet of the wider statement reads: "I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.
“That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.
“Winning some games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about. All teams win games.”
Given how Slot prefers a more patient style to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, there are questions over just how much of that statement may have been a coded message aimed at the manager.
For now, though, Liverpool can only look towards the end of the season before it becomes clear which direction will be the right one.
Xabi Alonso situation increases pressure
Liverpool have made their decision over Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot - it's a huge call
Liverpool have made their decision over Xabi Alonso and Arne Slot - it's a huge call
When Klopp announced his exit from Liverpool, Xabi Alonso was often seen as the obvious choice for both his connection to the club and his success with Bayer Leverkusen.
While Slot has ultimately had success since, Alonso's availability for most of this season has been the figure that looms large in the background of every failure the Reds have suffered.
That, in itself, has only ramped up the pressure on the current head coach as the obvious favourite and clear replacement option is there and one who is popular with the supporters.
Instead, it seems as though Alonso will be Chelsea's next manager, something that will only increase the scrutiny on the Liverpool board for inaction, while all eyes turn to Slot's position.
If he does survive the summer, then a quick start will be needed to get the fans back on side once again.
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