Liverpool face a big decision at the end of the season: should they stick with Arne Slot or is it time for a change? Slot won the league in his first season, but Liverpool’s title defence has been disappointing, leading to rare boos at Anfield after a 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
Context of Discontent
The draw with Chelsea was not an isolated incident. Liverpool have failed to capitalize on vulnerable opponents multiple times this season. Manchester United earned their first away win at Anfield in October, Nottingham Forest won 3-0 in November, Burnley drew 1-1 in January, and Tottenham secured a late equalizer in March. These results have fueled frustration among fans.
Home and Away Struggles
Liverpool have also suffered heavy home defeats in cups, including a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the League Cup and a 4-1 defeat to PSV in the Champions League. On the road, they have picked up just one point from seven away games against top-nine Premier League teams. A 3-0 defeat to bottom-placed Wolves in early March further highlighted their struggles.
Reasons to Keep Slot
1) He Won the League
Slot won the Premier League in his first season with relative ease. Despite a disappointing campaign, Liverpool are still on course for Champions League qualification. Losing 11 league games is not ideal, but only four teams have lost fewer in a highly competitive season.
2) His Feyenoord Spell Shows Potential
At Feyenoord, Slot improved many metrics after winning the title, but PSV’s extraordinary season prevented them from retaining the Eredivisie crown. This is his first career downturn, and he should be given the benefit of the doubt as he learns from the experience.
3) New Signings Have Struggled
Liverpool’s summer signings have been hampered by injuries and slow adaptation. Alexander Isak suffered a broken leg, Florian Wirtz has been inconsistent, and Hugo Ekitiké had a horrific Achilles injury. Slot has not had a full-strength squad to implement his plans.
Reasons to Replace Him
1) Things Are Not Improving
Liverpool have not won more than three league games in a row since their opening five-match winning streak. They are averaging 1.67 goals per game, their lowest since 2015-16, and facing 11.4 shots per game, their most since 2013-14. Mohamed Salah’s output has dropped significantly.
2) Liverpool Are Too Easy to Play Against
The team has conceded 48 league goals this season, and if they allow three more in their final two games, it will be their most in a 38-game Premier League season. Their pressing intensity has declined, winning possession in the final third only 4.1 times per game, their lowest since 2014-15.
3) His Style Does Not Suit the Premier League
The Premier League has evolved, with more teams focusing on set pieces and long balls. Liverpool have conceded 18 set-piece goals, their most ever in a single campaign. Slot has struggled to find solutions against opponents who disrupt his style.
The club seems inclined to back Slot, but fan scepticism is high. While he deserves respect for last season’s achievements, the question remains: does he deserve to be Liverpool head coach next season?
