Arne Slott endured two difficult seasons at Liverpool. (Image: Getty Images)
The effects of Liverpool’s loss to Manchester United on Sunday continue to be felt. The Reds’ 3-2 defeat against a strong opponent was their 11th defeat in the league this season and their 18th in all competitions. It was another major setback in an eventful year for the reigning Premier League champions.
Since the final whistle was blown at Old Trafford, speculation has once again increased over Arne Slott’s future, despite Liverpool still battling for a top-five finish this season. John W. Henry, CEO of Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the American sports conglomerate that owns Liverpool, spoke about his aspirations for the club in a rare interview. His revealing comments arrive as Slott’s future at Liverpool appears to have been decided on Merseyside.
John Henry breaks his silence
Liverpool’s chief owner said FSG will not “settle for mediocrity” amid the club’s current difficulties. FSG bought Liverpool in 2010 when the club was in turmoil, and over the next few years transformed them into a two-time Premier League champion.
FSG is also the guard of Major League Baseball’s Boston Red Sox. They controversially fired Red Sox manager Alex Cora and his backroom staff early in the season last week.
In an interview with Sport Business Journal, Henry, 76, broke his silence on his sacking and gave Liverpool supporters a glimpse into FSG’s thinking.
“The fans are frustrated,” Henry said. “The Sox looked terrible for the first 25 games. I remember when we (Liverpool) beat Manchester United 7-0[in 2023]there was a sign on the plane flying overhead that said, ‘FSG out! That doesn’t mean ignore them, it means try harder. Don’t settle for mediocrity. We have to win.’
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Liverpool owner John W. Henry (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
Arne Slot’s future revealed
Despite Henry’s comments and his group’s recent intervention with the Red Sox, Slott is expected to remain with Liverpool despite increased pressure and attention from Dutch giants Ajax.
Dutch media reports said the Eredivisie were exploring the possibility of a move for Slott as they search for a permanent successor to Fred Grimm, who left the club in February.
However, Slott intends to remain under contract on Merseyside until 2027. Previous reports said Anfield bosses were determined to back the 47-year-old and would give him the chance to reverse the club’s fortunes.
Reactions to the slot have been mixed, with former Liverpool star Didi Hamann believing Liverpool’s head coach is justified in giving him extra time. “I heard that Arne Slott will be with us next season,” said the former Germany midfielder.
“I think there’s an argument that maybe the managerial change should have happened or should have happened…Of course he won the league last season so I think it’s a decision that’s acceptable to me and I think most fans would be as well if we can finish the season in a decent way.”
But former England striker Gary Lineker believes former Anfield hero Xabi Alonso could be ready to take over this summer.
“Will we have Slott next season? We’ve lost 11 games in the Premier League and we’re still in the Champions League,” he said on The Rest Is Football podcast. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we had Xabi Alonso next season.”
