Liverpool could sack Slot to hire 4-3-3 manager who’s “up there with Guardiola”

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah took to social media on Saturday night to express his disappointment at the direction the club are currently heading in.

The winger posted: “I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.”He added: “That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.”

These comments suggest that the Egypt international is not happy with the style of play that has been developed by Arne Slot during his time in charge of the club.

Liverpool won the Premier League last season under the Dutchman, and Salah was not complaining then, but the current campaign has not gone to plan.

Why Arne Slot’s style of play does not suit Liverpool

Without trying to completely discredit Slot, who did do a lot of good work last term, the Reds won the league because Salah had a historic season and scored 29 goals and provided 18 assists.

The Egyptian star dragged the team to the title with his outstanding individual contributions, and the team’s current form without him at his best has exposed Slot’s tactical flaws.

Liverpool have the second-highest average possession (59.2%) in the Premier League this season, yet rank sixth in the division for xG and ‘big chances’ created.

This, essentially, means that the Reds have a lot of wasted possession, passing with no intent, and that has led to a lot of dull games where Slot’s side do not create much, but have a lot of the ball.

A lack of natural creativity has clearly been an issue throughout the campaign without the Egyptian’s individual magic creating moments out of nothing on a regular basis.

That is why the Dutchman’s style does not suit Anfield’s crowd, who want – as Salah does – attacking football, and that is why Slot should be replaced this summer.

Liverpool should replace Slot with title-winning manager

There is an out-of-work head coach who could be well-suited to what Liverpool need and Salah, even though he is leaving the club this summer, would love the appointment.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi is currently a free agent and would be an interesting appointment for the Reds. They have not been linked with a move for him, but it is a deal that could make a lot of sense for all parties.

The Spaniard, who typically plays a 4-3-3 system, has a history, as both a player and as a manager, of winning trophies and playing attractive football that supporters want to see.

Xavi has won a league title every other season in his managerial career, winning three in six seasons, and won six domestic cups along the way.

When Barcelona won the 2022/23 LaLiga title with him at the helm, the Spanish giants topped the division for possession (68.8%), xG (84.5), shots on target per game (6.8), ‘big chances’ created (155), and touches in the opposition’s box (1,296).

These statistics show that Xavi, who has explained how important positioning is in his system, can coach a team that constantly attacks and dominates opponents to consistently create chances and excite supporters.

Arsenal and Premier League legend Thierry Henry even said that Xavi is “up there with Pep (Guardiola)” for his footballing mind and ability to inspire a group of players.”

This also suggests that Xavi would be a good pick for the current situation at Anfield because Salah’s post, which was liked by several first-team players, suggests that not everyone in the squad is inspired by Slot’s style of football.

If the Spaniard can inspire a group of players, as Henry said, he could be the right man to come in and ignite the spark at Liverpool once again, allowing them to kick on next season.

The LaLiga title-winner has an attacking style of play to get supporters engaged and a reputation and personality to inspire a group of players, which means that he has all the attributes that Liverpool should be looking at in a manager.

That is why the club must part ways with Slot and make a move to appoint the 4-3-3 manager as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.