Liverpool have no intention of sacking Arne Slott, with the club promising to give him enough time to recover from his recent poor form. The Dutchman led the Reds to the Premier League title in his first season as manager, replacing Jurgen Klopp.
However, Anfield’s top brass are not yet considering parting ways with Slott.
The Telegraph claims that Liverpool believe Slott “deserves” the chance to take Liverpool into next season and ideally want to give him four transfer windows before a verdict is reached on his future. Slott has only directed three so far.
Liverpool are equally well aware that they face a huge challenge in finding a suitable replacement. Former midfielder Xabi Alonso had been mentioned as a candidate, but rejected the Merseysiders’ offer and opted to remain at Bayer Leverkusen ahead of an expected move to Real Madrid.
Former Arsenal favorite Paul Merson has already made his thoughts known, suggesting Slott could be subject to punishment if Liverpool fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
“It wouldn’t make any difference if he (Slott) won the FA Cup and didn’t finish in the Champions League. I think Liverpool have to follow the (financial) fair play rules and be in the Champions League,” he said last month.
“The more you play in the Champions League, the more quality players you can bring in. I think they need to get a centre-half and they’ll be back there next year.”
“They’ve just fallen off this year and it’s been really strange, which is tough when you win the league like they did, they’ve been in contention for the last couple of years and they’ve got new players coming in.
“Again, they’re playing for Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world. They’ve taken time to cope with it and they’re top-level players, but the club is just a huge football club. I thought he had to be in the top four, or he might become the (next) Tottenham manager.”
Thankfully for Liverpool, their prospects for qualifying for the Champions League have become much brighter, with the Premier League currently on track to secure five spots for next season.
