Slot, 47, had a sensational debut season at Anfield, taking over from Jurgen Klopp and leading the Reds to success in the Premier League.
But the former Feyenoord coach has had a difficult start to the 2025-2026 season. Saturday’s heavy home loss to Nottingham Forest has added to doubts about his long-term prospects. ..Continue reading
Adding to the concerns is the fact that Liverpool’s poor form has come as a result of a £450 million summer investment in the squad.
The latest defeat marked Liverpool’s sixth defeat in their last seven games in all competitions, including a 3-0 setback against Manchester City before the November international break.
With Slot in the spotlight, several experts have weighed in on his future at Anfield. Meanwhile, former Liverpool manager Klopp has once again been linked with a sensational return.
Criticism of Slot is increasing. Yet two high-profile experts believe the Dutchman will not be fired so quickly after winning the league title.
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown is convinced that Slot’s job is safe for the time being. “We have to give Forest credit for what they are doing, but yes, the wheels are coming off for Arne Slot now,” Keown told Final Score after the match.
“It was clearly Jurgen Klopp’s team and he tried to make changes but he spent £450 million on players and they are going backwards. They have simply been undone. Whether it is a crisis I don’t know, it is certainly a big problem for the manager to deal with six defeats from seven. Unthinkable.”
“I don’t think you can win the league one year and get fired the next year,” the former Arsenal defender added.
“It’s remarkable what we’re seeing from Liverpool. Their fall from grace and to lose so many games at the start of the season, they’re eight points behind first place, that’s basically unthinkable from this time last season.”
Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool midfielder, shared a similar view on Sky Sports after the Forest match. He said: “When I look at Liverpool now, this is what I expected last season.
“After Jurgen Klopp left the club, I thought it would have a negative effect on the team. That wasn’t the case. They did something absolutely extraordinary and won the league.”
“Right now I think it’s a time for patience because it’s going to be people, experts, everyone going crazy, [saying] “Fire the manager.” [Be] Calm down, take your time, make sure you assess it, it was the hardest preparation you can imagine for these players.”
The pressure on Slot is further increased by the threatening presence of Klopp. The German legend is currently the bookmakers’ top choice to replace Slot if Liverpool’s owner decides to make a change.
Klopp is at odds of just 2/1 to return, according to Sky Bet and Paddy Power, with other candidates including Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner, Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, Aston Villa’s Unai Emery and Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Despite Klopp’s status as a front-runner, there is no indication that Liverpool’s leadership is actively pursuing a management change.
Klopp’s comments in October about a possible return to Anfield sparked speculation.
When asked about a comeback, he said on the Diary of a CEO podcast: “I said I would never coach another team in England. So that means if (I return to England) it will be Liverpool. Yes, theoretically it is possible.”
When asked what it would take for him to return, he replied: “I don’t even know exactly. I love what I do now. I don’t miss coaching. I don’t. I do coach, but it’s just different, they’re not players.”
“I don’t want to die in the locker room. It’s things like this. I’m 58. From your perspective that might be old, but from other perspectives it’s not that old.”
“That means I can make a decision in a few years. I don’t know. Should I make a decision today? I’m not going to coach anymore, but thank God I don’t have to, I can just see what the future brings.”
The legendary former Liverpool manager currently serves as Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull’s football operations and recently joined an advisory panel for the German Football League (DFL).
He also expressed his support for Slot, adding: “He’s a super good guy. He got the best out of this team and they became champions in an incredible way.”
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