Former Everton defender Joleon Lescott has delivered a stark prediction that Liverpool manager Arne Slot could be facing the axe this summer, with one crucial piece of evidence pointing toward his potential dismissal. Lescott highlighted the club's reported refusal to allow Slot to bring Johnny Heitinga onto his coaching staff as an ominous sign regarding the board's long-term plans.
Staffing Snub Sparks Speculation
Speaking on the All Out Football podcast with Mirror Sport's Andy Dunn, Lescott pointed to recent reports that Slot was denied permission to recruit Heitinga after the latter departed Tottenham last month. This decision, according to Lescott, suggests Liverpool's hierarchy may be planning a managerial change at the end of the season. "The fact they're stopping him from getting staffing means, yeah, there's probably potential change at the end of the season," Lescott stated, emphasising the significance of this development.
Context of Liverpool's Challenging Season
Lescott acknowledged that Liverpool's title defence has been "very up and down", but urged compassion given the tragic death of Diogo Jota in 2025, which impacted the entire club. He argued that this bereavement should be considered when evaluating the team's on-field fortunes, noting that every player, fan, and staff member was affected. Despite this, Slot has faced scrutiny due to the high expectations set by winning the Premier League in his debut season.
Liverpool remain in contention for both the Champions League and FA Cup this year, achievements Lescott believes fans would have eagerly accepted following Jurgen Klopp's departure in 2024. "So I don't know how [Slot] can be questioned," he added, questioning the criticism directed at the manager.
Heitinga's Background and Recent Moves
Johnny Heitinga, a former Everton full-back who faced Slot's Feyenoord while serving as interim Ajax manager, left Spurs after Thomas Frank's dismissal last month. Reports indicate Heitinga had the option to stay at Tottenham but chose to depart instead. His previous working relationship with Slot, where he served as his No. 2 in a separate spell, makes the rejection by Liverpool's board particularly noteworthy.
On-Field Setbacks Add Pressure
Liverpool's campaign suffered another blow with a 1-0 defeat to Galatasaray in the Champions League, leaving the Reds needing to overturn the deficit at Anfield in the second leg to progress to the quarter-finals. Additionally, Slot's team are set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals in early April, while their Premier League title defence has long been conceded, with the club currently sixth and 19 points behind leaders Arsenal with nine games remaining.
Despite bouncing back from a mid-season dip to potentially end the season with major silverware, Slot may already be fighting to prove he is the right man for the job beyond this term. The combination of staffing restrictions and on-field challenges has fuelled speculation about his future, with Lescott's insights adding weight to the growing rumours.
