Arne Slot has addressed speculation surrounding his future as Liverpool manager, acknowledging the "shock" of the team's recent poor form, which marks their worst run in 70 years. The current Premier League champions have experienced a significant downturn, losing six of their last seven games across all competitions. This has led to increasing pressure on Slot to turn things around.
In a recent press conference, Slot responded to questions about his job security, asserting that he continues to have the backing of the club's hierarchy. He stated that his conversations with Richard Hughes and, occasionally, with Michael Edwards and FSG (Fenway Sports Group), have remained consistent despite the team's struggles. "For me they say similar things," Slot said. "I speak mainly to Richard and once in a while to the others (Edwards and FSG). They also see similar things as what I see". He added, "For me the conversations haven't changed a lot. We always talk about the game and it's always nicer to talk about the game if you have won than if you have lost".
Slot also defended his tactical decisions, particularly after the midweek defeat to Crystal Palace, where he made several changes to the team. He addressed criticism that his comments about the squad's fitness were perceived as making excuses. "Tell me if I'm wrong but I think during the week [the reaction] was about when I said something about the squad we are having, and that could have been seen as criticising or an excuse?". He clarified that his intention was to explain the challenges of managing player fitness, especially with a demanding schedule and several key injuries.
He emphasized the quality of the squad when fully fit, stating, "What I meant was, if these players are all fit we have so much quality. This club is in such a good place when you look at the quality we have for the short-term future and the long-term future". He used Alex Isak as an example, explaining that not all players were ready to play three games in seven days, and the recent injuries have further strained the team.
Despite Slot's insistence on the club's support, the pressure is mounting. Liverpool's season has taken a turn for the worst after a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving the team in disarray. This latest loss, marking their sixth in seven Premier League matches, has seen the defending champions drop into the bottom half of the table. Slot has taken full responsibility for the team's performance, acknowledging that his tactical adjustments during the Forest game failed to produce the desired result.
Pundits have suggested that Slot needs to make significant decisions to revitalize the team, including potentially dropping underperforming senior players. Some, like Wayne Rooney, believe that even star players like Mo Salah should be considered for a change in the starting lineup.
Amidst the speculation, Fabrizio Romano reported that Liverpool's owners are not currently considering an immediate change in management. However, there is an expectation for improved results in both the Premier League and Champions League. Romano stated, "Liverpool are NOT in talks with any other manager and are not even considering the possibility of sacking the manager. This is the current situation". He also noted that while Slot feels the support of the club, he is aware of the "dangerous, complicated" situation. Virgil van Dijk echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that the players also need to take responsibility for the team's poor performances.
