Pressure mounts on Liverpool’s Arne Slot after heavy FA Cup defeat
Michael Owen believes Liverpool should stick with Arne Slot, for now at least, despite pressure increasing on the Dutchman following their 4-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, reports BritPanorama.
The Reds were outplayed on Saturday, with Erling Haaland bagging a sensational hat-trick and Antoine Semenyo also on target as the hosts ran riot.
Slot won the Premier League title last season, having replaced Jurgen Klopp following the German’s emotional decision to walk away. However, their form has dropped off considerably this term. With Paris Saint-Germain lying in wait in the Champions League on Wednesday night, things could yet get worse for the team.
Slot finds himself fighting to keep his job, with rumours suggesting former Reds star Xabi Alonso could replace him this summer. Alonso is currently a free agent, having been sacked by Real Madrid earlier in the season.
Owen, speaking exclusively, thinks Slot warrants more time with Liverpool still in chance of qualifying for the Champions League. “Right now the answer is yes, Liverpool are in the Champions League and if they perform to the best of their ability, they are one of the toughest teams to play against,” he said. “Especially at Anfield, which can be a fortress, so it is possible to win that competition. But they can’t show inconsistency, which they have shown this season.”
Owen has reiterated the importance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. He stated, “But if he doesn’t and Liverpool slip up more this season, then yes, his job would be in doubt for sure.”
Just a few weeks ago, Owen insisted that Liverpool were still the best team in the country despite their erratic performances and stands by those comments, believing they have world-class players capable of turning things around.
He mentioned key players, noting, “Alisson is a world-class goalkeeper, Virgil Van Dijk a solid defender, Alexis Mac Allister in midfield, and Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitike as top strikers.” However, he emphasized, “they aren’t showing the consistency enough this season which is always a concern, and results haven’t been as good as they would have liked.”
Liverpool have shown in the past they’re capable of scaling dizzying heights that few others can. However, with PSG up next, fans are already fearing the worst. Whether they can bounce back against arguably the best team on the planet remains to be seen.
