Liverpool and Arne Slot have endured a turbulent 2025/26 season. After winning the Premier League title in dominant fashion during Slot’s first campaign in charge, the Reds failed to secure a single trophy this year.
Poor performances on the pitch and toxicity off it has created a lot of scrutiny around the Dutch manager’s future.
Yet despite fan frustration and growing speculation throughout the season, Liverpool are reportedly prepared to continue backing Arne Slot beyond the summer.
For the club’s hierarchy, this season appears to be viewed less as a reason for panic and more as a difficult phase in a longer-term rebuild.
But will the supporters show the same patience?
Liverpool’s Failed Premier League Title Defence
Slot's era at Merseyside began better than expected. After long term manager Jurgen Klopp departed in 2024, many fans thought Liverpool will suffer for a while and have transitional periods before finding their rhythm. Slot shut all that down.
After securing the club's 20th Premier League title last season, Liverpool’s current season initially began with great optimism. There was genuine belief that Slot could build on the momentum of his title-winning debut campaign and establish a new era of dominance at Anfield.
But they never really found their feet this season, enduring a disastrous stretch between September and November, when Liverpool suffered six defeats in seven matches. While they did have a better run in the Champions League, the Premier League title slipped out of their hands and landed on a platter for Arsenal, until Manchester City also joined the race.
The public opinion is so contrary compared to how he was being celebrated just a year ago.
Last year, he was celebrated as the ideal successor to Klopp. This year, sections of the fanbase were openly calling for his dismissal before the campaign had even finished.
Despite the pressure, Liverpool repeatedly assured Slot that he remained part of the club’s plans beyond this season.
Safe to say a majority of the fanbase is unhappy about it.
Who Could Replace Slot at Liverpool?
Even with the board continuing to support Slot, reports suggest Liverpool have still explored potential alternatives behind the scenes.
That is not unusual for elite clubs. Barcelona were flirting with Hansi Flick while assuring Xavi would stay, and Xavi was being courted while Ronald Koeman was being assured he would continue. It's very common.
The most obvious name for a Liverpool replacement would have been Xabi Alonso.
The former Liverpool midfielder was sacked from his job at Real Madrid in Janaury and was looking for a new club ever since, with many speculating he would be taking over the Reds from Arne Slot. However, as Liverpool decided to continue with the Dutchman, Chelsea announced a shock appointment of Xabi Alonso starting this summer.
One of the strongest names reportedly linked is Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
According to reports, sporting director Richard Hughes is a major admirer of the Spaniard after previously working with him at Bournemouth.
Iraola’s aggressive pressing style and attacking football are viewed by many as a natural fit for Liverpool’s identity.
Other names reportedly discussed include Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann, Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness and Al-Ahli boss Matthias Jaissle among others.
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique was also previously linked with the role. However, Enrique’s current focus remains on PSG’s push for back-to-back Champions League finals.
Read More: Why Alisson Becker Remains Liverpool’s Most Important Player Under Arne Slot
Slot’s Dressing Room Problems
Slot may have the board supporting him, but the fans and some of the players in the locker room might not be 100 per cent behind him.
Liverpool are a club filled with elite personalities, experienced leaders, passionate fans and players accustomed to competing for major honours every season.
Managing that environment is difficult even during successful campaigns. But during disappointing seasons like the current one, the pressure becomes even greater.
Reports throughout the year have suggested that Slot’s authority has occasionally been tested behind the scenes.
The situation surrounding Mohamed Salah has only intensified that perception. The Egyptian forward is going to leave Liverpool after years of extraordinary service to the club.
Throughout the season, Salah’s social-media activity and public behaviour and comments have repeatedly generated discussion among supporters and the media. Slot strangely hasn't confirmed when asked whether Salah will start in his final Premier League game this weekend.
Even if he starts or not, Salah is expected to say an emotional goodbye to supporters in his final home match for the club. The Egyptian winger leaves as one of the greatest players in Liverpool and Premier League history.
His goals, trophies and iconic moments transformed Liverpool during the Klopp era and continued into the beginning of Slot’s reign.
Why Liverpool Are Bringing in Etienne Reijnen
According to The Telegraph, Slot is set to bring trusted set-piece specialist Etienne Reijnen to the club. The 39-year-old previously worked with Slot at Feyenoord during their successful Eredivisie-winning campaign in 2023.
Set pieces have become increasingly important in modern football, especially in the Premier League, where the winners Arsenal absolutely dominated from dead ball situations, scoring 18 goals from set pieces which propelled them to the title.
Slot already proved during his first season that he can win at the highest level. The challenge now is proving that the second season was just an exception rather than him getting exposed.
Regardless of the board’s current support, the reality is simple: Arne Slot needs to win, and win fast. Navigating next season without two of Liverpool's long term warriors in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will be a challenge - but if Slot manages to touch silverware with these setbacks, he might just win the fans back.
