David Ornstein outlines how Liverpool’s hierarchy view Arne Slott after the latest setback in the Reds’ dismal season.
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The outgoing Premier League champions face an uphill battle to qualify for next season’s Champions League, having lost to Galatasaray on Tuesday and currently sit sixth in the domestic league.
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Liverpool’s performance has also been widely criticized, with Jermaine Pennant saying he has “had enough” of the Dutchman after his mediocre performance in Istanbul earlier this week.
Ornstein: Slott retains support from Liverpool’s top brass
However, Ornstein explained that Slott retains the support of Liverpool chiefs and if it were assumed that they were looking for a new head coach, they would likely hire the 47-year-old.
The journalist told The Athletic FC Podcast: “We understand that Liverpool are firmly behind Arne Slott. He is contracted until 2027 and they want him to be their coach. The hierarchy believe he is the one who can get things done.”
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“If they were looking at the recruitment process for a coach, it’s said he’s exactly the talent they’re looking at and there’s nothing on the market that they think would be better suited to what they’re looking for and they’re happy with him.
“Of course, things need to improve and they think he can do that and he’s happy about that. I look forward to that continuing and the club going into the summer in whatever form it takes, whether it’s success or failure… I don’t think sacking the manager is on Liverpool’s agenda at all, although that may be what some fans would like to see.”
Slotters have a lot to prove between now and the end of the season
Slott’s popularity among Liverpool fans has plummeted over the past nine months, with the excitement of last year’s Premier League title giving way to real question marks over whether he is the right man for Anfield.
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It’s not just the more vocal echo chambers on social media that are questioning the Dutchman’s future – after a horrific nine defeats in 12 games in the autumn, Liverpool Echo reporter Ian Doyle claimed the manager has “a week” to save his job.
The team enjoyed a renaissance in the winter with hopes of Champions League qualification restored, but a long unbeaten run was littered with several frustrating draws and few truly convincing performances (even wins) this season.
Slott is almost certain to be contracted until the end of the season, but if the Reds miss out on a top-five finish and fail to win trophies, his case for completing the final year of his contract will become increasingly difficult.
An impatient board may have abandoned the 47-year-old, but hopefully LFC’s continued faith in their manager will finally be vindicated.