A Crucial Moment for Arne Slot
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming match between Liverpool and Manchester United, it’s clear that this game is more than just another fixture on the calendar. While the outcome of Sunday’s clash may not directly determine the fate of Arne Slot as the manager of Liverpool, it does offer a significant opportunity for comparison between two teams that were separated by 42 points last season. However, the real focus for Slot seems to be on his own judgment of the season thus far.
Despite the speculation surrounding his future, there are no indications that Liverpool is considering a change in management. Slot has remained at Anfield, and the club has not fueled the rumors. Many fans had already made up their minds about a title-winning manager months ago, especially after a run of nine defeats in 12 games. Yet, Slot has chosen not to dwell on criticism, stating that it is up to others to decide if he is being judged fairly. However, one verdict remains to be delivered: his own.
Slot is still unsure what the final assessment will be. “It depends on the outcome,” he said. “I will judge myself in four games.” This statement hints at the significance of Champions League qualification, which goes beyond financial implications and psychological importance for Liverpool. If the Reds secure a top-five finish, which appears likely, Slot might view it as a damage-limitation job given the challenges faced this season.
However, Slot has often expressed dissatisfaction with elements of victories, showing a perfectionist streak in success. Given the criticism he has faced, he may not be his own harshest critic right now. But he could still find fault with his decisions. “Of course, I am judging myself constantly,” he added. “Was it the right decision to play five at the back in Paris? Was it the right decision to play him, play him, play him? These are the questions you are asking yourself.”
The Pressure of Proving Oneself
Slot arguably deserves credit for leading Liverpool to their second league title in 35 years. Despite dropping Mohamed Salah in November, he emphasized that past achievements are not enough to guarantee a place in the team or a manager’s position. “Do I have to prove myself as Virgil [van Dijk] does?” he asked. “Yes, he has proven himself as one of the best and Mo [has], and we all have to prove ourselves, but we’ve already shown in the past what we’re able to do. It doesn’t mean that is enough to keep playing every three days or stay in your job.”
Liverpool’s season has been marked by 17 defeats across all competitions, leaving them 15 points off the Premier League summit. They are 24 points behind where they were this time last season when they were champions. Slot believes that past performance cannot offer infinite protection. “If a player won the last five years the Premier League, he needs to show up every week to stay in the team. That is how this industry works, so yeah, we – and I am part of ‘we’ – have to prove ourselves the week after and the week after,” he said.
Transition and Challenges
Slot acknowledges that the transition at Liverpool is not yet complete. “I think the transition hasn’t been completed yet,” he added. “Again this summer, as a minimum of two will leave.” The sense is that the manager will remain, and part of his argument for a better next season is the expectation of fewer injuries, despite Hugo Ekitike missing the start of the campaign.
The challenges this season have largely been due to the treatment table. “What makes it hard is trying to win the next game with so many players unavailable,” he said. “That is hard. But that you get criticized in a job like this, that is not hard. I get to hear a few things, but if I say I hear 10 per cent of what has been said, I would say that has been a lot. But the last time I checked, the Strait of Hormuz being closed is not my fault, is it?”
A New Era?
The absence of Salah at Old Trafford on Sunday, and possibly Alisson too, signals the end of an era. If the goalkeeper also departs, the sense of change will be even more pronounced. “The players that won the Champions League and Premier League with Jurgen, I think if you look now, might only be Virgil and Joe [Gomez] contracted to the club [next year],” said Slot. Omitting Alisson may have been a moment of forgetfulness or a broader indication of the Brazilian’s future.
Liverpool has spent £450m, but part of Slot’s self-assessment seems based on the idea that the club is in transition, albeit a particularly expensive version of it. He believes that the transition hasn’t been completed yet and expects at least two key players to leave this summer.
