As the season enters a crucial stage, Arne Slot is facing immense pressure at Liverpool. According to James Pearce, Liverpool correspondent for The Athletic, the club supports Slot, and rumors linking him to Xabi Alonso are unfounded.
In the upcoming fixtures, Liverpool could reach the semi-finals in two competitions, secure a top-five finish in the Premier League to guarantee next season's Champions League qualification, or face the disappointment of missing out on Champions League qualification and even having to settle for Europa League or Conference League football, which would bring financial pressure over the summer.
The current Premier League table is extremely tight. Liverpool are fifth, just six points behind third-placed Manchester United, but also only six points ahead of eleventh-placed Sunderland. Despite widespread external discussion, Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) remain fully supportive of Slot, acknowledging the numerous difficulties he has faced this season.
The sudden passing of Diogo Jota in July last year had a profound impact on everyone at Liverpool. Slot demonstrated exceptional leadership during this difficult period, earning everyone's respect. Additionally, long-term injuries to players like Alexander Isak, Bradley, and Leonardo, declining form of veterans including Mohamed Salah and Alexis Mac Allister, and the time required for new signings to adapt to their new environment have all adversely affected the team.
Regarding transfer decisions, Slot should not bear full responsibility. Liverpool's choice to sign technical players came at a time when the Premier League style was trending toward direct, physically intense football. Michael Edwards, FSG's CEO of Football, and Sporting Director Richard Hughes have played a more significant role in resource allocation.
The team lacks speed and vitality on the flanks. The departures of Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold have had a greater impact than anyone anticipated. Slot has undoubtedly made mistakes—whether in tactical adjustments or personnel changes, he has failed to exert the same decisive influence as before, and the team has often collapsed when chasing results.
FSG is not turning a blind eye to these issues. Liverpool's management still has confidence in Slot, believing that with appropriate signings this summer, the team can turn things around. FSG does not want to start from scratch this summer. Club executives have denied claims that Slot will face a make-or-break test before the end of the season, insisting that no specific targets have been set as conditions for him to keep his job.
Despite widespread rumors that Xabi Alonso will return to manage Liverpool, sources within the club view these speculations as based on false assumptions. Liverpool hopes Alexander Isak's return and the impending departure of Mohamed Salah will inspire the team for a strong finish to the season. After all, this team has already defeated Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Arsenal this season. A 4-0 victory over Galatasaray before the international break also demonstrated the heights they can reach—this team possesses such quality.
However, considering Liverpool's recent Premier League form of only one point from matches against Wolves, Tottenham, and Brighton, it is difficult to have much confidence in the team. Fan patience is gradually wearing thin after the draw with Tottenham, and the subsequent announcement of ticket price increases over the next three seasons may further exacerbate dissatisfaction. Nevertheless, FSG intends to stick to its original plan, and the team's performances on the pitch in the coming weeks will test their resolve.
