Arne Slot's Liverpool future under review despite mounting pressure
Liverpool manager Arne Slot is preparing for next season in the belief he will remain in charge, despite growing external pressure on Fenway Sports Group to dismiss him. According to TEAMtalk sources, the Dutchman is relaxed about his position and is already planning for a summer rebuild aimed at returning the club to Premier League title contention. The club's ownership has always planned a full end-of-season review, with the final decision set to be made by football chief Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has warned the club's hierarchy that retaining Slot would be a colossal mistake. Speaking to talkSPORT, Murphy stated his belief that the manager has lost sections of the playing squad and the majority of the fanbase. "My gut feeling is, generally, when the fans have turned to the level they have, that there’s no comeback," Murphy said. He added that while securing Champions League qualification would aid Slot's case, he does not see Liverpool becoming title challengers again under the current coach.
The 2025/26 campaign has been a significant disappointment for Liverpool, who entered as defending champions. A poor run of form in the autumn saw them lose nine of twelve games across all competitions, swiftly ending their title defence. The club also suffered early exits from the Carabao Cup, Champions League, and FA Cup. These results have placed Slot under intense scrutiny throughout the season, with speculation over his future persistent.
However, internal reporting indicates a different perspective. TEAMtalk correspondent Graeme Bailey has reported that Slot is confident he will continue and is focused on squad planning for the upcoming transfer window. The manager has acknowledged the team may be nearing the end of a cycle and has hinted that sales may be necessary to facilitate new signings. This forward planning suggests he is operating under the assumption he will lead the project.
The club's stance, as conveyed by sources, has been consistent: no pre-emptive decision has been made to remove Slot. Strong media links with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso have circulated, but the club's position remains that the season will be assessed in its entirety. The likely achievement of a top-five finish and Champions League football is seen as a key factor that would support Slot's continuation, particularly in what has been viewed internally as a transitional season following Jurgen Klopp's departure.
Murphy countered this view, arguing that the scale of the performance drop-off justifies a change. He pointed to 17 losses across all competitions and a perceived disconnect between the manager and the players. "There’s a feeling the squad are not hearing him," Murphy explained. "It’s very hard to get that back once it’s gone." He believes a return to the high-energy, pressing football synonymous with Liverpool's recent success is unlikely under Slot's stewardship.
Despite the external debate, the process appears set to follow the club's original plan. The review by Edwards and Hughes will weigh the season's mitigating circumstances against the clear deficiencies in performance. With Slot already engaged in planning for next season, all signs point towards continuity, setting the stage for a critical summer transfer window aimed at revitalizing the squad for a more competitive 2026/27 campaign.
