Arne Slot has endured a difficult Premier League title defence this season, but when it comes to his future, it's likely many will be left divided by what Liverpool do next
Alan Shearer has suggested Arne Slot might have to lift the Champions League trophy to keep his job at Liverpool - but Micah Richards has urged the Reds to give the Dutchman another campaign.
The heat has been rising on Slot as Liverpool suffer through a disastrous Premier League title defence. The Dutchman also endured a mortifying FA Cup elimination which saw Manchester City thrash the Reds 4-0.
Matters could be set to intensify as his team head to France to take on Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their quarter-final clash on Wednesday night. Shearer reckons this fixture carries added weight for Slot, as securing the European trophy might be their sole route into next season's tournament, given the Reds' erratic domestic form.
On The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: "It's crazy, especially after what they did last season and the money they have spent. It just hasn't worked for them, they've been all over the place, they've been so inconsistent.
"He has to get in the Champions League via winning it. I'm not even sure top five would be enough, but it's not nice to see what's going on at Liverpool."
Back in January, Shearer stated he thinks Slot will get the boot if he doesn't secure Champions League qualification for next term. The Premier League is presently the frontrunner to receive the additional berth in Europe's premier competition through the co-efficient rankings, though this hasn't been officially rubber-stamped yet.
Should the Premier League secure this additional European spot, a fifth-place finish would be sufficient for Champions League qualification next season. The Reds currently occupy the fifth spot, but the battle for the top five is incredibly tight, with just five points separating Liverpool and ninth-placed Fulham, as Chelsea, Brentford and Everton all lurk ready to pounce on any slip-ups.
While Shearer believes Slot could be in serious trouble if Liverpool miss out on Champions League football, Richards feels the Dutchman has built up enough goodwill to keep his job even if they fall short, pointing to last season's Premier League title win. The former England star said: "I'd like to see him get one more season.
"This season has been, I don't want to say a transition and I know a lot of people will say 'Hold on, he's spent a lot of money.' But their main striker has been out, they've had a death within the club with Jota, the whole thing with getting players over the line with contracts, the saga with Salah, nothing has been straight forward.
"I would like to see him with another pre-season and if next season it's not going their way, then by Christmas, yeah, make the change. He's a manager who has won the Premier League, let's not forget, just last season."
Shearer remained unconvinced, responding: "That in itself is a thing that he won the league but he's miles behind this year after spending that much money. I understand what you are saying in terms of the circumstances.
"But you're talking about Liverpool football club for winning and spending a fortune. They might not even finish in the top five. That's why they have to get through in the Champions League."
Fesadeilnt
0
go home and take SALAH with you!
fepaopruyz
0
he must beabae now not tomorrow
ruoabmnpu
0
sack slot we are tired of him
Piyacepstu
1
asbrief slot leave Liverpool we lost hope in you
Ayobamiadeayo
1
Slot supposed to Sacked him before end of this season we would secure our position 4 or 3 even 2
Even 2 😂 dey play Secure 4 first before u talk about 2
Zikdknopr
5
Slot should go!!!!!! There is growing concern among supporters regarding the tactical decisions of Liverpool’s current coach. One recurring issue has been the preference for Milos Kerkez over Andy Robertson, a proven world-class player, who has frequently been left on the bench. This choice has contributed to several disappointing results this season, as Kerkez’s attacking approach and inaccurate crosses have disrupted Liverpool’s established style of play. It is important to remember that the foundation of this squad was built under the former Liverpool coach, the same team that achieved Premier League success. However, instead of building on that legacy, key players have been sold, players who could have significantly strengthened the team’s chances of achieving more this season. Liverpool fans expect a coach who understands the strengths of the squad and makes decisions that maximize the team’s potential. The repeated sidelining of Robertson and questionable transfer choices have raised serious doubts about the current leadership and its ability to deliver consistent success.
kimbdmrsu
0
so that his man city will keep on collecting all trophies that's why he wants him
Femcirsyz
2
Slot supposed to Sacked him before end of this season we would secure our position 4 or 3 even 2
maje012
0
Let slot go
Femcirsyz
0
slot needs to vacate that post as soon as possible
exactly and is too late we supposed to SACK SACK him before end of this season ee could secure our position 4 or 3 even 2
Pubdikorsz
2
no no he must go by end of this season
Rubeimrsy
1
We've seen him doing random substitutions when losing a match that has wrong lineups to beging with. Average people can coach better than him.
usuftalatasheriff
1
you people not Ready yet
fenalpsu
0
Arteta Should be sack too
Widbiltz
0
The issue of Slot isn't debatable,he's leaving at the end of this season.
Zuzeiopryz
3
slot needs to vacate that post as soon as possible