Challenges and Prospects: Liverpool’s Season Under Slot

omidbasir- Slot has made a notable impact during his inaugural season as Liverpool’s manager, succeeding the charismatic Jurgen Klopp. Despite operating with limited financial resources, he led the team to a domestic title in an impressive manner.

With increased investment in 2025, Liverpool embarked on a record-breaking spending spree, acquiring players like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak through nine-figure transfer fees.

However, the 2025-26 season has posed significant challenges, with Liverpool currently positioned sixth in the league, 16 points behind leaders Arsenal. Slot’s ongoing tenure is generating discussions, particularly as former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso is now available for hire following his dismissal at Real Madrid, and Klopp is rumored to be contemplating a return to management if a suitable opportunity arises.

Premier League legend Wayne Rooney remarked that the speculation surrounding Slot’s future is harsh, yet he noted in an interview with The Overlap Fan Debate from Sky Bet that the 47-year-old manager seems to lack the inspirational qualities needed for Liverpool: “It’s unusual to consider Slot auditioning for his job after he recently won the Premier League. I’ve met him a couple of times, but I don’t think he possesses the aura necessary for Liverpool—especially following Klopp’s era, which sets a high bar for any successor.”

Rooney further commented on the potential for Slot’s departure: “I’ve spoken with various managers, and while they can be challenging, if Slot doesn’t secure a top-five finish in the Premier League, he will likely be let go, which is surprising given his recent success.”

When analyzing Liverpool’s struggles this season, Rooney pointed out the decline in form of key players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, noting, “If you compare Liverpool’s performance from last season to now, Salah and Van Dijk have not been at their best. Trent Alexander-Arnold has been absent, Andy Robertson has limited game time, and there have been issues with Luiz Díaz and Diogo Jota. Darwin Nunez, while not exemplary, contributed to the team. Liverpool is undergoing a rebuilding period.”

Rooney has criticized Van Dijk’s performance this season as club captain but maintains that both he and Salah will be recognized as modern legends of the game. “Given Liverpool’s situation since last season, Van Dijk and Salah may have lost a step, and as the two leaders, their diminished performance makes it tough for any team to contend for the title. However, this shouldn’t detract from their legacy. In my view, Salah is among the greatest in Premier League history, and while Van Dijk may not be the best ever, he is certainly the top center-back of this era. It’s important not to hold their current struggles against them.”

Liverpool is currently advancing in both the Champions League and the FA Cup, with a crucial match against Nottingham Forest scheduled for Sunday. This game is part of a series that includes fixtures against clubs engaged in relegation battles, providing an opportunity for Slot’s team to gain vital momentum as the season progresses.