Former Liverpool star Jermaine Pennant has claimed that the Reds' draw with Brentford on the final day of the season should be "the nail in the coffin" for manager Arne Slot, as he launched a scathing attack on the team's latest below-par performance.
Slot's Second Season Decline
The Merseyside club were champions this time last year, winning the Premier League with ease in the Dutchman's debut campaign. However, Slot has endured a steep decline in his second season, despite being backed with over £400 million in last summer's transfer window. Liverpool's season has been hampered by injuries to key players, but performance levels and glaringly obvious issues have not been addressed, plaguing Slot's side throughout the campaign.
A fast start to the season quickly tailed off, and Slot faced questions over his future. The Reds could only manage a draw with Brentford on the final day, which saw them finish fifth in the table. Pennant insists the hierarchy must wake up and make the difficult decision to part ways with the manager.
Pennant's Social Media Outburst
Speaking on social media, Pennant said: "The board cannot be sitting in the directors' box watching this absolute garbage and think among themselves that this manager will be challenging for silverware next season! Hanging on to Brentford. This should be the nail in the coffin."
He added: "FSG please READ this. Against the top nine teams, home and away is 18 games. Liverpool have won three. Yes, I said three. Just do the right thing for the club and these players. Because your eyes see and watch exactly what we all see. And it's horrendous."
The draw with Brentford came after a damaging 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa nine days earlier, where Liverpool added a consolation in added time. The performance showcased the issues that have existed in Slot's side for much of the season.
Slot's Future Under Scrutiny
Slot has recently claimed he expects to remain in his role for next season. Xabi Alonso, who was seen as a likely candidate to replace him if Liverpool opted for a change, is no longer available having taken the Chelsea job. The Dutchman will seek to transition the side, a process he attempted this season by signing a different profile of player compared to what they were used to under Jurgen Klopp.
Mohamed Salah will be a high-profile departure, though he has become a less influential figure this term. Slot is under pressure to make the signings of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz work at Anfield, given their sizeable fees.
