Jamie Redknapp has urged Liverpool to give Arne Slot another season, admitting that the idea of sacking him 'doesn't sit well'. Reds boss Slot has overseen a disappointing follow-up campaign after winning the Premier League title in his first.
A significant portion of fans have called for the Dutchman's sacking in recent months, but the Liverpool hierarchy appear to be sticking by him. However, Friday's abject 4-2 loss away to Aston Villa piled more pressure on Slot.
But Redknapp doesn't want to see the ex-Feyenoord boss get the boot and can't understand the clamour from supporters for a change of manager. 'Liverpool are an educated fanbase,' the former Reds midfielder told Sky Sports. 'They don't really turn on their managers - but you see it, you hear it, a lot of people are maybe going away from wanting him (Slot) as the manager next year. I really struggle with that because when you've won the league the year before and decide you want to get rid of the manager the following year - that doesn't sit well with me.'
'I think he deserves another year after winning the Premier League title. But I expect better next year.'
Another ex-Liverpool player, Jermaine Pennant, isn't of the same opinion, though, pointing out a damning statistic. After the Villa defeat, Pennant wrote on X: 'I do not care what's going on with injuries... reigning Premier League champions should NOT have the same amount of losses as 2 promoted teams. Leeds and Sunderland. Slot has to go that is NOT acceptable, the buck lies with you, and managers have gone for less a lot less.'
Should Liverpool sack Arne Slot?
Should he get the chance to improve things next season, Slot is confident that his team will benefit from a 'new start'. The 47-year-old said post-match: 'I can understand at this moment in time that they don't have a lot of confidence or a lot of feeling that things can be much better next season, but I think they are then underestimating what a window can do, what a new start can do.'
'I think we know quite well what to improve; I think one of the things we also have to improve is also very, very, very obvious and I would have preferred not to talk about it here, but you're actually almost forcing me to.'
Redknapp's comments come as Liverpool fans are divided over Slot's future. The Reds currently sit fifth in the Premier League table after a series of inconsistent results. While some supporters believe Slot deserves more time, others point to the team's defensive frailties and lack of progress in his second season.
Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp in the summer of 2024 and led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut campaign. However, this season has been marred by injuries to key players and a failure to replicate that form. Despite this, the Liverpool board is reportedly reluctant to make a change, preferring to give Slot the opportunity to rebuild in the summer transfer window.
The debate over Slot's future is likely to intensify as the season draws to a close, with Liverpool still in contention for a top-four finish but facing an uphill battle to secure Champions League football.
