Liverpool have endured an embarrassing defence of their league title and Arne Slot is now under immense pressure
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamann has admitted Arne Slot and the Reds have ‘steadied the ship’ slightly but warns it could still be a matter of time until the manager departs.
Liverpool appeared in a tough race to finish inside the top five to guarantee Champions League football next season, having also been knocked out of Paris Saint-Germain in the competition in April, but their position among Europe’s elite looks safe for another campaign.
The Reds currently sit fourth on 58 points, six clear of Bournemouth in sixth with three games remaining. However, the pressure has been ramped back up on Slot after defeat to arch rivals Manchester United last time out at Old Trafford.
Hamann, speaking on behalf of NewBettingOffers, said: “Liverpool were fortunate against Everton with a late winner, but they steadied the ship. A few weeks ago I wasn’t too sure whether they’d finish in the top five. I didn’t think they would.
“Obviously, their recent form, paired with Chelsea’s poor form, puts them in a very confident position. Probably a couple of draws will do. I think if they get to 60, it’s probably enough. I can’t see any of the others getting to 60 points, so yeah, they will finish fifth, which will be enough to be in the Champions League.
“I’ve heard that Arne Slot will be there next season. I think there’s a case to be made that maybe a change of manager should happen or should have happened.
“But Liverpool have always been very loyal to their managers. He won the league last season of course so I think it’s a decision I can live with, and I think most fans can live with, if they have a decent finish to the season.
“Then obviously, you need to see what’s happening in the summer after the World Cup with players going, obviously Andy Robertson leaving, Mohamed Salah leaving. But yeah, I think it’s a decision that is understandable.”
However, Hamann did send an ominous warning to Slot – stating that if the fan base turns against him, he’ll be out the exit door at Anfield.
He added: “For probably the first time in a long time Liverpool fans are split, it’s a very knowledgeable fan base and Liverpool doesn’t usually sack managers. That’s obviously changed in the last 10 or 12 years because the game has changed and managers have to leave quicker than they did 20 or 25 years ago.
“But usually when the fan base turns, it’s a matter of time before the manager has to go. Now with Arne Slot, I think it’s split because of what he’s done last season. I think it’s probably the first time in a long time that it’s as split as it’s ever been.
“I think both camps have a case, but the club has to make a decision. And I think there’s been so much uncertainty this year. I don’t think there’s any guarantee a new manager will change things.
“Obviously there was a lot of talk about Xabi Alonso. I’m not sure whether he would be interested. I’m sure they would have asked him whether he would be if there was a change.
“I think the fan base is split and that shows how tricky the situation is, really, because the team is on paper an awful lot better than where they are at the moment. But obviously in football you never know what’s going to happen. But I think it’s a decent end to the season if they do finish in the top five and go to Champions League football next season.”
