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Liverpool director Arne Slot is facing increased scrutiny despite a 10-game unbeaten run dating back to November, as defender Premier League The champions are preparing to welcome League One side Barnsley to Anfield for their FA Cup third round clash.
That being said, the 47-year-old has publicly admitted that the title race is over, with his side sitting fourth in the table and 14 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Slot conceded to the press Earlier this week, the last thing Liverpool should be talking about right now is the title race.
The Dutchman stressed that his entire focus is on qualifying for the Champions League, acknowledging that it would take something unprecedented for Liverpool to retain their crown.
Although they have not lost a game since the 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, the pressure around Slot has further intensified following successive draws against Leeds United, Fulham and Arsenal.
Sky Sports Expert Alan Smith has warned that the Liverpool boss could lose his job if things continue as they are, describing recent performances as disappointing despite going unbeaten.
Former Arsenal striker Smith has insisted Slot will remain under pressure even though he won the championship last year, with speculative connection Real Madrid’s Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement.
Monday’s FA Cup tie against Barnsley represents an opportunity for Liverpool to reset and quietly rebuild their momentum. The match carries extra weight given last season’s embarrassing fourth round exit to Plymouth Argyle, when Liverpool failed to score against the Championship’s bottom club.
Barnsley won on their last visit to Anfield in February 2008, although that upset did not cost Rafael Benitez his job.
The slot is expected to spin strongly following the physically demanding draw at Arsenal on Thursday. The next game offers a respite from the pressures of the league, but off the pitch Liverpool chiefs are drawing up contingency plans in case they decide to hand Slot his P45.
Liverpool now considering Oliver Glasner, Man United’s ‘best’ manager
According to TEAMtalk this week, Liverpool have identified Crystal Palace boss Olivier Glasner as one of four managers on their shortlist if they sack Slot.
The Premier League giants have no immediate plans to let him leave, but sources close to the club reveal a full review is planned at the end of the season to assess Slot’s long-term suitability.
Glasner has also apparently impressed the Liverpool hierarchy with his counter-attacking style at Palace.
The Austrian has made the Eagles a resilient unit despite limited resources and notably led them to FA Cup glory last season, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded managers outside the traditional elite.
Liverpool, however, face serious competition for his signature.
Their arch-rivals Manchester United have identified Glasner as their “top target” to become their next permanent manager over the summer, adding another layer of intrigue to the race for his services.
United reportedly view the former Eintracht Frankfurt boss as the ideal candidate to rebuild their struggling side following the sacking of Ruben Amorik.
Glasner’s proven Premier League experience represents a significant advantage over other candidates. He understands the physical demands of English football and has demonstrated the ability to improve players whilst working within financial constraints, qualities which will strongly appeal to Liverpool’s model under FSG.
The Austrian joins three other names on Liverpool’s radar. Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi, previously at Brighton, is admired for his free-flowing, possession-based football, while Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola also commands serious admiration from the board.
FC Porto’s Francesco Farioli completes the list, with the young Italian attracting attention with his innovative tactics.
Glasner has made history at Palace since his appointment at Selhurst in 2024, and he is now truly perhaps their best manager of all time.
The tactician would be an exceptional candidate, and with his contract expiring this summer, Glasner is well and truly up for grabs.
