Growing Uncertainty Around Slot

Liverpool find themselves at a crossroads after a turbulent spell that has intensified scrutiny on Arne Slot’s position. Although the 3 goal victory over West Ham halted a disappointing sequence of three consecutive heavy defeats, the Reds remain eighth in the Premier League, nine points behind leaders Arsenal. With expectations high and form faltering, discussion around alternative options has gathered momentum, particularly regarding Steven Gerrard and his potential availability.

Ferdinand Highlights Gerrard Option

Rio Ferdinand revealed that Steven Gerrard has been urged to prepare for a possible call from Liverpool. Speaking on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel, he said: “I was sitting there saying to him [Gerrard] over some food the other day, ‘Listen, you need to sharpen your tools, mate.

“Sharpen the tools and get them ready because you could be going back in as interim boss.’ That’s what I was thinking.

“There was so many games coming up, I was just thinking I don’t see Slot getting through all of these games in good enough condition. And I think the pressure from the terraces and the fanbase might be too much and they might make a decision.

“In that climate someone like Steven Gerrard sitting there, a legend of the club, forget his tenures at different clubs. A legend at the football club ready to come in and steady the ship for them.

“I wouldn’t have been surprised if Steven Gerrard would have gotten a call.”

Gerrard’s status as a Liverpool icon inevitably fuels speculation, and with a demanding fixture schedule ahead, the conversation has only intensified.

Gerrard Responds to Crisis Claims

Despite rising noise surrounding Liverpool and Gerrard’s name being linked with an interim role, the former captain has been quick to distance the club from the idea of being in disarray. Speaking after the heavy 4-1 Champions League defeat to PSV Eindhoven, Gerrard said: “Each defeat, especially in the manner of the defeat, you get closer to the crisis.

“I don’t like using that because to me a crisis is a club that needs year to get back to the top and I don’t think Liverpool are at that point at all.

“They’ve still got magnificent players and the majority of this squad won the league. So I think ‘crisis’ is too strong.”

He added: “That’s not good enough. There’s no excuses for that at this football club.

“Everyone knows that. But crisis is a strong word and is very disrespectful to some of the players that have delivered for this football club, and for the manager that’s delivered.

“If this was six months down the line, a year down the line, and we’re further away from that success then maybe you can use a word like that.

“You can’t deny this team is struggling massively, they’re on a terrible run, confidence is at an all time low and they just keep bleeding.

“They keep conceding goals, they’re wide open and unless the manager can find answers and stability in the team they’re going to continue.”

What Comes Next for Liverpool

With pressure rising and results inconsistent, Liverpool face a pivotal stretch. Slot must rediscover stability, while Gerrard remains an unavoidable talking point. As the Premier League season unfolds, the club’s direction could hinge on the next sequence of performances.