Liverpool make private decision on Arne Slot's future with huge upheaval on the cards
Liverpool have no plans to sack Arne Slot, despite their disastrous Premier League title defence. Instead, this summer could see the departure of two other high-profile figures from Anfield.
Slot, 47, guided Liverpool to only their second league title in 35 years during his first season. But the Reds have plummeted this campaign and find themselves languishing in fifth place, a whopping 21 points behind current leaders Arsenal with seven games to go.
Liverpool's form has prompted sections of their fan base to call for Slot's sacking, especially after former midfielder Xabi Alonso became available in January. But the Independent report that Anfield chiefs aren't planning to change manager.
The club hierarchy believe that there are mitigating factors behind the team's drop-off, with an influx of new signings, multiple big-name departures and the tragic death of Diogo Jota making Slot's job significantly more challenging. There could be change above him, though.
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The Saudi Pro Leagueare targeting both Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes this summer. Edwards is the CEO of football for Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group, having previously been the club's sporting director.
That role is now performed by Hughes, who arrived from Bournemouth at the same time as Slot in the summer of 2024. Edwards' position has become the subject of speculation after FSG decided not to go ahead with their planned multi-club strategy, a project which he was brought in to helm.
Acclaimed for his work during the Jurgen Klopp era at Liverpool, Edwards was sought after when he left Anfield in 2022, with Chelsea among the clubs to have approached him. Meanwhile, it's said that Hughes is being targeted by Saudi club Al-Hilal, as the league bids to increase its global standing.
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Liverpool's sporting director would, naturally, be involved in any decision regarding Slot's future. Hughes recently reaffirmed his faith in the former Feyenoord boss and opened up on their working relationship.
"Fundamentally, there's the understanding for both parties and everyone at wide, that everything involving matchday, team selection, tactics, that's always the manager or head coach," Hughes explained on an episode of The Reds Roundtable. "That's their domain. It's very important not to step into that.
"Of course we talk about football and performances but I always let Arne lead that. Naturally, in a conversation I will come up with an opinion and not just react to Arne's, but always waiting for the right time to share these things is critical."