Former Liverpool striker Michael Owen has warned manager Arne Slot that he must deliver a strong start to next season to avoid the sack. Owen, speaking via Flashscore, said the first 10 games will be crucial for Slot, who has faced mounting pressure after a disappointing campaign.
Owen acknowledged that Slot retains credit for winning the Premier League and likely securing Champions League football, but insisted that is not enough for Liverpool. “It’s not just about finishing fourth,” he said. “If results aren’t good in the first 10 or so games, pressure will really ramp up.”
Slot is set to be backed by the club this summer, with the arrival of coach Etienne Reijnen from Feyenoord. Reijnen, who previously worked with Slot at Feyenoord, had been denied a work permit when Slot first moved to Anfield in 2024, but is now expected to join the backroom staff.
Slot confirmed his high regard for Reijnen, stating: “I have worked with him before, and I have a very high regard for him. It is also clear that I tried to sign him two years ago when I first came here, but we couldn’t do it.”
Liverpool’s season has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency, with Owen citing the loss of Diogo Jota and other key players as factors. “You can't blame any one thing, but Liverpool were below their own standards,” Owen added. “It’ll take a big reset over the summer to get back to where they need to be.”
