Arne Slot Backed by FSG as Liverpool Navigate Pressure and Uncertainty
Arne Slot was afforded a rare moment of calm on a turbulent Anfield night as Liverpool swept Qarabag aside 6–0 to book their place in the Champions League last 16. There was no drama, no late tension, just ruthless efficiency from a side badly in need of confidence.
Having finished third in the league phase, Liverpool will now enjoy home advantage in the second leg of their knockout tie against Juventus, Atletico Madrid, Club Brugge or Galatasaray in March. As James Pearce reported for The Athletic, bypassing February’s play-off round “could prove crucial” given how stretched Slot’s squad has become.
Yet while Europe has provided relief, domestic uncertainty continues to shape the narrative around Slot, his job, and Fenway Sports Group’s long-term vision.
Champions League Progress Offers Breathing Space
Liverpool’s demolition of Qarabag was their biggest European home win since the 7–0 rout of Spartak Moscow in 2017. It was also a reminder of their underlying quality.
Slot admitted afterwards: “We showed intensity, tempo and togetherness. That is what we have been missing at times.”
Despite Qarabag’s modest reputation, they had previously beaten Benfica and Eintracht Frankfurt and held Chelsea. This was not a given. As Pearce noted, Liverpool “have often struggled against deep, organised sides this season”, making the attacking fluency on display particularly significant.
Injury issues remain a major concern. Jeremie Frimpong’s early withdrawal left Slot without seven senior players, forcing Wataru Endo into right-back and Ryan Gravenberch into central defence.
“We are not in an easy situation physically,” Slot said. “But the players gave everything.”
Liverpool’s Champions League record this season—six wins from eight matches and 18 points from 24—includes victories over Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Inter. It underlines why FSG continue to view Slot as a long-term appointment rather than a short-term gamble.
Premier League Struggles and Growing External Pressure
European comfort contrasts sharply with Liverpool’s domestic form. Five wins in 18 league games has left them hovering around sixth place, with Champions League qualification far from guaranteed.
The defeat at Bournemouth, followed by wins for Manchester United and Chelsea, intensified speculation around Slot’s job. However, sources close to the club insist there is no appetite for change.
As Pearce wrote recently: “Liverpool’s hierarchy remain convinced that Slot is the right man, even amid inconsistent results.”
Slot himself acknowledged the situation: “We are not happy with where we are in the league. Everyone knows that. We have to be better.”
Internally, there is recognition that 36 points from 23 games is unacceptable. Questions are being asked about in-game management, rotation and tactical flexibility. Slot has admitted mistakes, saying: “I haven’t always made the right decisions. That is part of learning in this league.”
Yet FSG continue to see context: injuries, squad transition and heightened expectations following last season’s title triumph.
Unlike managerial changes at rival clubs, there has been no breakdown in communication at Liverpool. Slot’s relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes remains central to his security.
Recruitment Strategy and FSG’s Long-Term Vision
As head coach, Slot operates within a defined structure. Recruitment decisions are led by Hughes and FSG’s chief executive of football, Michael Edwards.
Slot has been clear on this dynamic: “My job is to coach. The club decides how and when to invest.”
Suggestions that Liverpool are delaying transfers due to uncertainty over Slot’s future have been dismissed internally. The club’s data-led model prioritises long-term value. Last summer, only one outfield signing was over 24.
Pearce reported that Liverpool “do not believe January represents value in the current market”, preferring to wait until the summer window.
This approach carries risk, especially with defensive depth stretched. However, there is confidence that key players will soon return. Ibrahima Konaté is expected back imminently, while Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones are nearing fitness.
There is also optimism around recent recruitment. The partnership between Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz is developing, while Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have impressed. Slot recently said: “You can see the understanding growing. That takes time.”
More concerning has been the dip in output from established stars. Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister have all endured lean spells, though Salah’s recent goal drought ended emphatically against Qarabag.
“That goal was important,” Slot said. “For him and for us.”
Communication, Criticism and Slot’s Response
Slot’s public comments have come under intense scrutiny. His suggestion that Liverpool’s Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain last season “maybe” helped their title push sparked criticism.
Steven Gerrard described it as “a body blow for the fans” on TNT Sports.
Slot later clarified: “Maybe I explained myself not in the right way. I wasn’t happy losing to PSG. What I meant was that we avoided injuries after that.”
He added: “When you speak in another language, sometimes things come out wrong.”
Similarly, his remark about Liverpool’s recent Europa League history—“only two years ago we went out in the quarter-finals”—was interpreted by some as dismissive of the Klopp era.
Slot insisted: “It was not a comparison. It was about showing progress.”
Internally, there is sympathy for the pressures he faces. His Champions League win rate stands at 77.8 per cent, while his overall Liverpool record remains above 61 per cent—figures comparable to the club’s greatest modern managers.
Despite fan frustration, support from decision-makers remains firm. When Slot applauded the Kop after the Qarabag match, the response was warm, if cautious.
“Tough games are coming,” Slot acknowledged. “That is where we have to show who we are.”
With Newcastle and Manchester City looming, those fixtures may define the next chapter. For now, FSG’s position is clear: Arne Slot remains their man, trusted to steer Liverpool through turbulence and back towards stability.
