Steven Gerrard doubts Arne Slot's Liverpool job if Champions League is missed

Steven Gerrard has voiced concerns about Arne Slot's job security at Liverpool. He believes missing Champions League qualification could lead to Slot's dismissal.
By Newsroom | Football, Management |

Steven Gerrard has voiced concern over Arne Slot's future at Liverpool, suggesting the manager could face dismissal if results do not improve, particularly following a string of losses that now number fifteen this season. Gerrard emphasized the critical nature of upcoming fixtures, including a league match against Fulham, as vital for Slot to alleviate pressure and secure qualification for the Champions League. Liverpool currently sits in fifth place, a position that would typically guarantee European football, but the precariousness of their league standing, with several clubs close behind, adds to the urgency.

Gerrard's perspective highlights a crucial juncture for Slot, where Champions League qualification, rather than solely league position, may be the determining factor for his continued employment.

Gerrard, speaking with a degree of apprehension, indicated that the club's performance in upcoming high-stakes matches, including a challenging two-legged tie against Paris Saint-Germain, will be pivotal. He specifically identified the Fulham game as having significant weight, arguing it represents an opportunity to apply pressure on rivals like Aston Villa and Manchester United in the Premier League standings. Despite his expressed worries, Gerrard also conveyed a personal support for Slot, stating, "I don't want that to happen — I'm a huge fan of Arne Slot."

Read More: Arsenal Reaches Champions League Semifinals Again But Faces Tough Questions

Gerrard's Own Managerial Struggles in Saudi Arabia

The remarks from Gerrard arrive at a time when his own managerial career has encountered considerable turbulence. In late 2024, Gerrard was under intense scrutiny at Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq. Reports from October and November 2024 detailed his precarious position, with the club languishing thirteenth in an eighteen-team table, three points above the relegation zone, after securing only three wins in their opening eight league games. This form followed a sixth-place finish the previous season, where Al-Ettifaq ended 48 points behind the champions.

Read More: Leaders Should Pause Before Responding to Employee Feedback for Better Decisions

"I think he's due another chance when he comes back to the UK. He's put in the hard miles."

The situation at Al-Ettifaq was exacerbated by the club's exit from Saudi Arabia's premier cup competition, losing to a second-division side. Amidst this period, Gerrard's assistant, Dean Holden, and executive sporting director Mark Allen were sacked, though Gerrard himself later saw his assistant role filled by former colleague Michael Beale. Gerrard himself admitted his side 'must improve,' particularly in the league, as they sat a considerable 13 points adrift of AFC Champions League Elite qualification spots. His tenure at Al-Ettifaq was marked by such struggles, leading to speculation about his own job security, with some observers questioning his survival after previous spells at Aston Villa.

Contextualizing Gerrard's Career Path

Steven Gerrard, a Liverpool legend known for his distinguished playing career primarily as a midfielder, transitioned into management after his final appearance for the club on May 24, 2015. His managerial journey has included roles at Liverpool's U18s, a successful stint with Rangers, a less successful period at Aston Villa, and his recent tenure in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, which concluded with his departure announced in January 2025. Gerrard's reflections on Slot's job security appear to be informed by his own experiences navigating the pressures and performance expectations inherent in high-level football management.

Read More: NFL trains backup referees before May 31 contract deadline

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did Steven Gerrard say about Arne Slot's job at Liverpool?
Steven Gerrard expressed doubts about Arne Slot's future as Liverpool manager. He suggested that Slot could be sacked if the team does not improve its results and secure Champions League qualification. Gerrard mentioned that missing out on the Champions League could be a deciding factor for Slot's job security.
Q: Why is Arne Slot under pressure at Liverpool according to Gerrard?
Arne Slot is under pressure because Liverpool has suffered fifteen losses this season and is currently in fifth place. Gerrard believes upcoming crucial matches, including league games and a tie against Paris Saint-Germain, are vital for Slot to ease the pressure and secure a Champions League spot.
Q: What specific matches did Gerrard mention as important for Slot?
Gerrard highlighted the league match against Fulham as particularly important for Slot to relieve pressure and improve Liverpool's league standing. He also mentioned a challenging two-legged tie against Paris Saint-Germain as pivotal for the team's European aspirations.
Q: Has Steven Gerrard faced similar job pressure in his own career?
Yes, Steven Gerrard has experienced job pressure in his managerial career. In late 2024, he was under scrutiny at Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, where the team was in thirteenth place and struggling. His own job security was questioned following poor results and cup exits, and his assistant was sacked during that period.
Q: What is Liverpool's current league position and what does it mean for Champions League qualification?
Liverpool is currently in fifth place in the league. While this position typically guarantees European football, Gerrard noted the precariousness of their standing with other clubs close behind. He stressed that Champions League qualification, rather than just the league position, might be the key factor for Slot's continued employment.