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Arne Slot Under Fire as Champions League Qualification Becomes a Must at Liverpool
Heavy investment, rising tension, and no margin for error. At Anfield, the pressure on Arne Slot is starting to feel relentless.
A Season That Has Turned Uncomfortable
Liverpool’s campaign has taken an unexpected turn, and the spotlight is now firmly on Arne Slot. The Reds currently sit sixth in the Premier League, a position that places their 2026–27 UEFA Champions League qualification in serious doubt. For a club with Liverpool’s ambitions, that scenario is simply not acceptable.
The warning came from one of the club’s most influential voices. Former defender Jamie Carragher did not mince his words, suggesting Slot “won’t have a leg to stand on” if Liverpool fail to finish in the top four. The message was clear: Champions League football is no longer a bonus—it is a requirement.
Investment Made, Results Missing
The frustration stems largely from expectations. Liverpool backed Slot heavily in the transfer market, bringing in high-profile names such as Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez. Yet despite that spending, the Reds find themselves 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal.
Instead of mounting a title defence, Liverpool have struggled for consistency, particularly at the back. Carragher’s assessment was blunt: with that level of investment, underachievement becomes far harder to excuse.
Dressing-Room Tension Adds to the Noise
On top of the results, internal friction has only intensified scrutiny. Slot’s relationship with Mohamed Salah has reportedly deteriorated, highlighted by Salah’s public accusation that his manager had “thrown him under the bus” late in 2025. The comments sparked widespread speculation about both Salah’s future—and Slot’s authority in the dressing room.
For Carragher, these issues are warning signs. He openly admitted that, should Liverpool miss out on the Champions League, Slot could realistically face the sack in the summer.
Defensive Issues and a Clear Transfer Message
Carragher also identified a clear footballing problem: Liverpool’s defence. Injuries have exposed a lack of depth at the back, prompting calls for decisive action in the market. The former centre-back believes Liverpool should move early for a defender they truly want, rather than panic buying.
He warned that an injury to Virgil van Dijk could derail the entire season, underlining how thin the margin has become. Liverpool’s recruitment record has been strong in recent years—but this summer, Carragher feels, will be crucial.
What Comes Next for Slot and Liverpool
Liverpool now face a defining stretch. Attention turns briefly to Europe with a Champions League clash against Qarabag, before a demanding Premier League meeting with Newcastle United. After a disappointing defeat to AFC Bournemouth, a response is expected—and needed.
For Arne Slot, the equation is simple: results must improve, and quickly. Without Champions League football, the noise around Anfield may become impossible to ignore.
