Liverpool chiefs reportedly agree that Arne Slot remains the man to lead them into next season. The Dutch head coach has come under intense pressure this season, with the defending Premier League champions enduring a miserable campaign. The Reds sit fifth in the top-flight table, 15 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and have crashed out of both domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.
Slot's Job Security
The Daily Mail reports that Liverpool's hierarchy acknowledges injuries and heavy summer spending as factors in their struggles. Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike were among the big-money buys, but injuries to Isak and Ekitike have hampered the team. As a result, there is a belief that Slot should stay. However, club bosses are not blind to alarming performances, including how Slot's team has been bullied and looked vulnerable.
Support from Carragher
Former Liverpool centre-back Jamie Carragher has supported reports of Slot staying. Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "Arne Slot's job has been spoken about all season. There's probably a split in the Liverpool supporters over whether he should stay or go. But the noises I am hearing is Slot will be the Liverpool manager next season if they can secure Champions League qualification, which they look like doing right now."
Slot's Own Comments
Slot himself has spoken about planning for next season during a pre-match press conference before facing Crystal Palace. He stated: "I'm mainly here for the short or mid-to-long-term, and mainly the Palace game. There are conversations about next season but my main focus is this season. Margins are small and one or two results can make a big difference. Two weeks ago we weren't five points clear of sixth. It can go both ways. Focus is on Palace and we've been unable to beat them in three games this season. In the last eight games we have picked up 16 points and it doesn't always feel like that. Our recent league form is acceptable."
Liverpool need nine more points from their remaining five Premier League fixtures to secure a top-five finish and a place in next season's Champions League.
