Sacking Arne Slot would turn Liverpool into a mediocre club.
Losing 9 out of 12 games, conceding 10 goals in 3 matches, and suffering two defeats at Anfield has put Arne Slot in the eye of the storm; FSG has yet to act because sacking him now could jeopardize Liverpool's unique position.
Liverpool are on a losing streak: losing 9 of their last 12 matches in all competitions, conceding 10 goals in 3 games and scoring only 1 (Dominik Szoboszlai in the 1-4 defeat against PSV). Two consecutive defeats at Anfield have put pressure on Arne Slot, but according to current indications, Fenway Sports Group (FSG) has no intention of making a hasty decision. Sacking him at this point is not just a technical maneuver; it risks eroding the identity of a club that always considers itself different.
From "fighting skills" to "delivering the finishing blow"
The analogy is: instead of wielding a whip to duel a swordsman, Indiana Jones pulled out a gun and ended the situation in a flash. Liverpool's opponents recently have also chosen a direct, simple, and effective approach. The image of Liverpool's "swordsman" suddenly freezes: shoulders slumped, arms hanging down, waiting for the finishing blow. This fragility is evident in both the outcome and the way the team reacts when under pressure.
The cracks at Anfield and the telling statistics.
Two defeats at Anfield not only shook confidence but also fueled debate about the manager's competence. In their last three matches, Liverpool conceded 10 goals and scored only once. Looking at their last 12 games, they lost nine. For a team that just lifted the Premier League title in May, this "freefall" raises questions about their off-ball defense, their ability to counter-attack, and their mentality when trailing.
The league table and the season are unpredictable.
Liverpool are currently 12th but only five points behind second-placed Chelsea. This has been a volatile season, with Arsenal being one of the few teams to remain consistent — and Liverpool even beat Arsenal at Anfield in August. On the other hand, the seven-point gap to the relegation zone presents a risk: if this "relegation-oriented" form continues into the new year, the order of objectives could quickly reverse.
FSG and action logic
There are no indications that FSG — under the strong influence of Director of Football Michael Edwards — will "act first" at this point. However, their history suggests they are willing to act if they believe the ship is veering off course beyond repair. Emotions in the stands may be high after two home defeats, but decisions at the top are usually based on long-term goals rather than a few short-term results.
The precedent at Liverpool
- 2015: Brendan Rodgers would probably have stayed if Jurgen Klopp hadn't been ready.
- 2012: Kenny Dalglish, despite being a legend, was replaced because it was considered the right decision.
- Early 2011: Roy Hodgson was sacked faster than any other club in modern Liverpool history; in the opinion of the fans, it should have happened even sooner.
The culture of sacking in the Premier League.
English football is changing: owners act when money is threatened or egos clash. In 2007, Jose Mourinho left Chelsea despite having just won the first two titles in 50 years. In 2010, Carlo Ancelotti was still sacked despite winning the league title. Mourinho was pushed out a second time just four months after a four-year contract. In 2016, Claudio Ranieri led Leicester to the top but still left his job when the team was teetering on the brink of relegation. Antonio Conte suffered a similar fate not long after a season of winning the league title.
Titles are not a facade — nor are they a "crime."
Last May, Slot paraded his 20th Premier League title on the very same Anfield pitch that is now so gloomy. Before that, he won the Dutch league with Feyenoord — only the club's second title since 1999. Some argue that he inherited a squad bought during Jurgen Klopp's tenure, but using titles against Slot is far-fetched, especially since Klopp couldn't replicate that with the same group of players last season.
An unusual season
No manager has ever won the Premier League with Liverpool only to be sacked the following season. Nor has a champion ever faced the demise of a player still in action — as was the case with Diogo Jota. It's not a guarantee against every outcome, but it's a crucial factor to consider when assessing the overall picture.
If Liverpool were to take action, what would they have left?
Liverpool have long prided themselves on being different, synonymous with the motto "You'll Never Walk Alone." Sacking Slot now would erode that feeling somewhat, turning them into a club that reacts in a typical pattern: a few defeats, a change of manager, hoping for an immediate boost. The question for FSG isn't just about points or a top-five finish (which would likely secure a Champions League spot), but about defining their identity in a time of chaos. In the midst of a turbulent season, sometimes staying on track is a form of victory in itself.