Arne Slot’s second season at Liverpool has been a far cry from the triumphant first campaign that saw the club lift the Premier League title. After a dominant 2024/25 season, the Reds have struggled for consistency in 2025/26, sitting outside the top four in the Premier League standings amid a string of disappointing results. Recent defeats, including setbacks against teams like Galatasaray in the Champions League and domestic losses that have highlighted defensive vulnerabilities and attacking bluntness, have intensified scrutiny on the Dutch manager.
Amid this backdrop, speculation about Slot’s long-term future has gained traction, with some pundits suggesting the club could be planning a change at the end of the season. Former Everton defender Joleon Lescott, speaking on the All Out Football podcast, pointed to one specific decision as a potential “clue” that Liverpool’s hierarchy might not be fully committed to Slot beyond the current campaign.
The key issue revolves around Slot’s reported request to bring Johnny Heitinga — a former assistant during Slot’s earlier coaching spells and a coach who recently left Tottenham — back into the Liverpool setup. According to reports, the club’s leadership declined the proposal, opting against any mid-season changes to the backroom staff. Lescott interpreted this refusal as an ominous sign, arguing that blocking a manager from strengthening his team in a preferred way could indicate limited backing from the board, including owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG). He suggested it raises questions about whether Slot is viewed as the long-term solution.
This punditry has fueled dramatic headlines, with outlets like the Mirror framing it as a “huge clue” that the club is gearing up to part ways with Slot this summer. However, such claims remain largely speculative and rooted in interpretation rather than concrete evidence from the club itself.
Reliable sources paint a more measured picture. David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Liverpool remain “steadfastly behind” Slot, with no immediate plans for a sacking. Ornstein emphasized that the hierarchy views Slot as the right man to turn things around, noting his contract runs until 2027 and that removing him is “not on the agenda” at present. While an end-of-season review is expected — as is standard — any decision would hinge on key outcomes, particularly whether Liverpool secure Champions League qualification via a top-five Premier League finish or progress in Europe.
The pressure is undeniable. Slot has acknowledged the challenges, describing the season as the toughest of his career amid injuries, inconsistent form from key players like Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, and a defense that has looked exposed in big games. Yet he has also highlighted signs of improvement and the club’s support during difficult periods.
Liverpool’s patient approach under FSG has historically allowed managers time to build, as seen in Jurgen Klopp’s early struggles before his era of success. Speculation linking potential replacements like Xabi Alonso persists, but no firm indications suggest an imminent change. For now, Slot’s position appears secure through the season’s end, with the focus on salvaging a European spot and rebuilding momentum.
Whether the Heitinga decision proves to be a minor staffing call or a telling indicator will only become clear in the coming months. As Liverpool navigate the run-in, the manager’s ability to steady the ship could ultimately dictate his future at Anfield.
About The Author
