Arne Slot‘s job at Liverpool does not appear in immediate danger, with Fenway Sports Group backing him even if he fails to secure Champions League football.
In his latest update for The Athletic FC Podcast, journalist David Ornstein explained that FSG’s “intention” is to keep Slot in the dugout.
That would be the case even if Liverpool failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League by finishing in the Premier League‘s top five – however Ornstein did admit that stance could change.
“All of our information is that FSG, the ownership, the sporting hierarchy at Liverpool, they intend to stick with Arne Slot,” he said on Wednesday.
“Even, from the conversations I’ve had, if there’s no Champions League football.
“That’s the intention. Obviously if they go and lose all of their matches, like at any club, for the rest of the season we’re probably having a very different conversation.
“But they would like to go into next season with him and give him a chance with new signings.
“The new signings are going to continue from what we hear. They need more players.”
Ornstein added: “I think there are four or five starting positions that Liverpool will feel they still need to work on as part of this project.”
Liverpool are expected to strengthen in defence, midfield and attack, not least with Mo Salah and Andy Robertson announcing their departures and Ibrahima Konate yet to sign a new contract.
That they are linked with two players from Slot’s time at Feyenoord – Bournemouth‘s Marcos Senesi and Brighton‘s Yankuba Minteh (pictured) – may reinforce Ornstein’s belief that FSG will back the Dutchman.
But there remains obvious doubt over the situation, not least with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes also facing uncertain futures.
“That’s my last point, the project,” Ornstein continued.
“They’re all contracted to 2027 and there’s been reporting and uncertainty over the future of Michael Edwards – I’m hearing suggestions that he [will leave] – and he’s allied to Richard Hughes.
“They came in together, so Hughes you imagine won’t go on past 2027, and if and when Edwards goes I imagine Hughes goes too.
“They’re all committed for this summer and they’re going to work clearly on this market, and I think they’re in that with Slot.
“Then it is about delivering. If they are going to be given longer, the results will have to speak for themselves, and then some huge decisions again at Liverpool for FSG, the ownership.”