Arne Slot lifted the Premier League trophy 12 months ago. Now he’s fighting just to get Liverpool into the Champions League.
Defeat away to Aston Villa on Friday means the Reds could go into the final day needing a win over Brentford just to finish in the top five. That’s the reality. That’s how far they’ve fallen.
And the dressing room? It might be starting to turn.
Salah and Jones speak out
Liverpool fans have interpreted social media posts from Mohamed Salah and Curtis Jones as signs that all is not well behind the scenes.
“Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve,” Salah wrote in a lengthy Instagram post.
Jones was briefer: “Thank you for your continued support in a disappointing season. It’s way off the standards expected at this football club.”
On the surface, both statements are measured. But fans read between the lines. Salah’s reference to “heavy metal football” was seen by some as a nod to Jurgen Klopp and a dig at Slot’s more measured approach.
‘Don’t usually agree with questioning the coach in public but this is an exception’
That was one fan’s verdict. Others echoed the sentiment. The patience is wearing thin.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson went further, telling BBC Radio 5 Live: “I mean, the relationship with the manager has been fragmented for a long time since he was left out of the side. And I think he’s just echoing the voices of the Liverpool supporters that have watched their team in a slow demise, really, this season in their style of play.”
A slow demise. That’s the phrase that stings.
Slot reunion on the cards?
Amid the chaos, there’s transfer talk. Dutch midfielder Quinten Timber twin brother of Arsenal’s Jurrien, is ready to make the jump to the Premier League, according to L’Equipe.
The 24 year old played for Slot at Feyenoord. A reunion could be on the cards. But Liverpool aren’t alone. Other English clubs are interested.
Timber only joined Marseille in January. But the French club are expected to entertain offers after missing out on Champions League qualification. Sixth place with one match remaining. A season to forget.
What Liverpool need
Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are both set to depart. Big gaps in experience. Big gaps in leadership.
A deal for Jeremy Jacquet has already been agreed. But more new arrivals will be needed. A lot more.
The bottom line
Liverpool have one game left. Brentford at home. Win, and they likely secure Champions League football. Lose? And the season ends in disaster.
Slot is under pressure. The dressing room is restless. Fans are turning.
He won the title last year. But in football, that buys you less time than it used to.
If Liverpool miss out on the Champions League, the knives will be out. And the social media posts from Salah and Jones? They might just be the beginning.
