Liverpool Resolute Over Slot Despite Wretched Season as Klopp Link Resurfaces

Liverpool's hierarchy have thrown their weight behind Arne Slot despite what can only be described as a thoroughly miserable campaign, with the club hierarchy determined to ride out the storm at Anfield.

The Reds' title defence has proved a damp squib. They're scrapping desperately to secure Champions League football, trophies have dried up, and morale among the fanbase has taken a battering. Saturday's 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Manchester City in the FA Cup—a demolition that sent them packing—has done little to ease the pressure on the Dutch manager.

Slot's stock has plummeted. The football has been laboured, results have been laboured, and patience has worn thin among supporters clamouring for a return to the swashbuckling days. Xabi Alonso's name gets louder with each disappointing weekend.

Yet Fenway Sports Group aren't for turning. They've convinced themselves that extenuating circumstances explain the mess, and they're sticking with their man. BBC Sport's Sam Drury confirmed this stance remains unchanged, stating: "There remains no indication that the club are planning to get rid of Slot, either now or at the end of the season."

The caveat? That position becomes considerably shakier if Champions League football slips through their fingers.

Enter the rumour mill. Football Insider reports that Klopp—yes, that Klopp—is circling, waiting in the wings for his moment. Former Everton chief Keith Wyness colourfully described the scenario: "There's Bonnie Prince Jurgen is waiting across the water to come back and reclaim his throne."

Wyness acknowledged the fantasy element but suggested it's gaining traction in football circles. However, he reckons Alonso represents the more realistic appointment, calling him the "favourite to take over." He added: "The dream of Jurgen coming back is a bit of a big dream, but it would obviously be the go-to fantastic solution that would perk the Liverpool fans up."

Not everyone's convinced wholesale change is wise. John Barnes has sounded a note of caution, reminding supporters that Slot delivered the title. "We won the league with Arne Slot and all of a sudden we want to sack him?" Barnes told the Liverpool Echo. He pointed to Klopp's own rocky start, sitting 20 points adrift initially, yet the club showed faith. "I think Xabi will be a great manager one day, but I want Arne Slot to stay," Barnes concluded.