Ex-Liverpool star delivers Arne Slot firing verdict before Merseyside derby

Arne Slot faces a pivotal Merseyside derby against Everton with his Liverpool future under scrutiny, but former defender Dominic Matteo insists sacking the title-winning manager would be pretty harsh

Liverpool manager Arne Slot could face increasing pressure should the Reds suffer defeat to Everton in this weekend’s Merseyside derby. However, former Liverpool defender Dominic Matteo believes it would be unfair to dismiss the title-winning boss given the wider circumstances.

Slot led the club to Premier League glory in his first season in charge, but has encountered considerably more turbulence this campaign. A top-of-the-table finish is now virtually beyond reach with six games to go, while Tuesday’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League ended any remaining hopes of further trophy success.

Despite the difficult season, Matteo feels those at the highest levels of the club must carefully weigh up the manager’s position.

While conceding that the pool of potential replacements will inevitably factor into discussions — with former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso potentially available following his departure from Real Madrid mid-season — he pointed to clear signs of improvement in the midweek defeat and remains uncertain over Slot’s future.

Arne Slot will be under a lot of pressure now because of what’s probably available,” Matteo told the Mirror via BetSelect.co.uk. “Liverpool aren’t a firing team, far from it, but obviously if Liverpool were to get into Europe… that would give him more of a chance [of staying]. But then would a top manager come to a club if they’re not in Europe? I don’t know.

“I don’t think [a decision] will have been made yet. Who knows what goes on behind a football club? There’s that many people involved at every club, whether it’s Richard Hughes or whoever’s making that decision.

“But obviously, you have to look at everything and analyse everything and see if there is a better option than Arne. Obviously he won the league last year so I think it would be pretty harsh if it were to get fired before next season starts.”

Matteo reckons whichever team wins their individual duels will come out on top on Sunday. Liverpool triumphed when the two sides last clashed in the league, but Jurgen Klopp tasted defeat in his final Merseyside derby, and there’s a genuine risk that another setback for Slot could prove damaging to his future.

“Liverpool have always been favorite in derby games of recent times [but] I think now it’s much closer,” the former Scotland international added. “I think it’ll be a game that, for the fans, because of the season and the way it’s gone, I think it’ll be very, very important for Liverpool to get this result, especially for the manager and for certain players.

“If he is to get a result and get a good result, the people behind the scenes might be thinking, ‘Oh, yeah, he is the right man to have another go.’ Or will they make a decision if the result goes badly and think, ‘Is it time for a change at the start of next season?’

“That’s how important this game probably is in many ways. David Moyes will be sitting there with – obviously there’s pressure in a derby game, but I think he won’t be feeling the pressure as much as what Arne Slot will.”