Liverpool manager Arne Slot is facing increasing scrutiny amid a disappointing 2025/26 season, which has seen the club struggle to meet the high expectations set after his successful first year in charge. Despite a Premier League title in his debut season and significant investments over the summer, Slot’s second year has been marked by underperformance. As questions about his future mount, some are pointing fingers at the players for their role in the team's decline.
The Fall from Glory: From Title Contenders to Strugglers
Liverpool’s 2025/26 season has been a major disappointment for both the club and their fans. After winning the Premier League in his first year, Arne Slot had high hopes for his second campaign. Significant investments were made in players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz, which seemed to signal the club’s intention to continue dominating the league. However, things have quickly unraveled. Liverpool finds itself 21 points behind league leaders Arsenal and was embarrassingly knocked out of the FA Cup 4-0 by Manchester City. The Reds' title hopes are practically non-existent, and while they still have a chance to progress in the Champions League, their domestic struggles have raised serious concerns about Slot's tenure.
The Players' Role in the Downfall: Senior Stars Underperforming
While much of the blame for Liverpool’s struggles has been directed at manager Arne Slot, former Manchester United scout Mick Brown believes that some of the responsibility lies with the players. In particular, senior figures like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Ibrahima Konate have been singled out for failing to meet expectations. Brown argues that their lackluster performances have compounded Liverpool’s problems and left Slot to shoulder much of the blame.
"Slot has been thrown under the bus at Liverpool," Brown said. "Look through the squad, how many of them can you say have really performed to their top level? But it’s the manager who picks up the bill for it. He’s been badly let down by a number of his senior players."
Slot’s Future at Risk: Will Liverpool Look for a New Manager?
As the 2025/26 season continues to spiral, rumors about Arne Slot’s future at the club are intensifying. There have been reports linking Xabi Alonso as a potential successor should the club decide to part ways with Slot at the end of the season. While Slot certainly deserves some of the criticism for the team's poor form, Brown believes that the senior players’ underperformance is equally to blame. If Slot does lose his job, the blame should be shared between him and his players, who have not lived up to their own high standards.
In conclusion, while Slot has faced significant pressure due to the team’s struggles, it's clear that the senior players must also take responsibility for their part in Liverpool’s disappointing season. The situation at Anfield remains uncertain, and much will depend on whether the players can turn things around in the second half of the campaign.
