I’m not having the idea that Arne Slot is basically unsackable because “who would even replace him?” It’s a strange kind of fear that creeps into fanbases when things start to feel stuck. Like the only two options are: keep going exactly as we are, or fall off a cliff.

Liverpool have changed managers before, sometimes from the biggest name in the room to someone plenty of people were unsure about. That’s not me saying you churn through coaches for fun, or that stability doesn’t matter. It does. But the replacement argument shouldn’t be a shield that stops you asking the more important question: is this working, and is it likely to improve?

Backing a manager only works if there’s movement

Slot deserves credit for stepping into an impossible job after Klopp and, by the fan’s own claim here, winning the league in year one. That’s not nothing. You don’t fluke that over a season. But football is ruthless because it moves quickly. Opponents adjust. Patterns get spotted. Confidence drains. And suddenly the bits that looked “principled” start looking stubborn.

The biggest frustration in this view is that Slot seems convinced the tactics are fine and it’s just player mistakes. Maybe some of that is true, because mistakes do cost matches. But if the same types of mistakes keep appearing, you’re allowed to ask whether the setup is inviting them. Are we exposing players in transitions? Are we asking them to play through pressure in areas where it’s just not sensible? Are we leaving ourselves too open when the press doesn’t land?

“Who would replace him?” isn’t a strategy

Plenty of clubs find good managers without needing a superstar profile. You can look at someone like Iraola and at least admit there are coaches doing impressive work with smaller squads, clearer limitations, and far less margin for error. That doesn’t mean he’s the answer for Liverpool, and it doesn’t mean he’d definitely succeed. But it does mean the premise “there’s nobody” is weak.

The same goes for big-name options. Fans will always have their preferences, whether it’s Alonso, Flick, or someone else entirely. The point isn’t to write a fantasy shortlist, it’s to accept that good coaches exist and Liverpool, as a club, can attract them.

When the message stops landing, you have to act

A top club gives time and support, absolutely. But support only helps if the manager is willing to adjust, to meet the moment, to show there’s a second plan when the first one isn’t getting it done.

If the feeling is that we’re underperforming, and the response is just “it’s not the tactics”, then you can see why patience runs out. At some point you either see evolution, or you accept you’re watching the same film every week. And if you believe it’s heading that way, then the “salvage the season” argument becomes hard to ignore.

Written by Slotthedross: 13 January 2026

Tags: efl tactics