Arne Slot’s future isn’t as secure as it seems – Opinion

Arne Slot’s future isn’t as secure as it seems – Opinion

Silence, Delays, and the Feeling That Liverpool Wants Slot to Walk

The growing noise surrounding Arne Slot’s future feels increasingly orchestrated, or at the very least carefully managed. Reports continue to emerge suggesting Liverpool is prepared to move forward with the Dutchman despite a disastrous campaign, whilst simultaneously there remains no indication whatsoever that the club intends to offer him a contract extension beyond the final year of his current deal.

That contradiction matters.

If Liverpool’s hierarchy truly viewed Slot as the long-term future of the football club, discussions over a renewed contract would surely already be underway. Premier League-winning managers are not usually left drifting towards the final twelve months of their agreements unless uncertainty exists behind the scenes.

And uncertainty clearly exists.

Michael Edwards has returned to oversee football operations with full authority and it is difficult to imagine a figure of his stature accepting another unstable season without conducting a complete review of the direction of the first team. Richard Hughes may still support the coach he appointed, however, support internally and confidence publicly are often two very different things in elite football.

That is why much of the current reporting feels like positioning.

Liverpool knows that removing a manager one year after lifting the Premier League title would create enormous scrutiny, particularly after the club spent months portraying Slot as the ideal successor to Jürgen Klopp. There is reputational damage involved. There are financial implications involved.

And there is also the possibility that Liverpool would prefer Slot to make the decision himself.

A resignation, or more realistically a “mutual parting of the ways,” would soften the public fallout considerably.