Arsenal legend deeply concerned for Arne Slot's job at Liverpool
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Alan Smith believes Liverpool manager Arne Slot's job security could be at risk if the Reds fail to secure Champions League qualification and don't win silverware this seasonArne Slot is under immense pressure at Liverpool(Image: David Rogers, Getty Images)Arne Slot's position could come under scrutiny if Liverpool fails to secure a top-five finish and end the season without silverware. On Tuesday, they travel to Istanbul to face Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.While Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Turkish side during the league phase of Europe's elite club competition earlier this season, it remains the favorite to advance to the quarterfinals, where either Chelsea or holders Paris Saint-Germain would await.
Looking beyond that, a semifinal tie against Manchester City, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich appears probable.This is why Alan Smith, who won two league titles with Arsenal and now works as a co-commentator and pundit for Sky Sports, doubts the Reds will claim a seventh Champions League triumph.Liverpool boss Arne Slot reacts after his side's 2-1 Premier League loss at Wolves on Tuesday(Image: AP)He suggests Slot may need to deliver a ninth FA Cup title, should they fail to secure a top-five finish, to avoid losing his job."I don't think they're going to win the Champions League," the two-time Golden Boot winner wrote in his latest column for BestBettingSites.co.uk."(They were) So poor on Tuesday against Wolves. If they don't finish in the Champions League spot, given the money that they've spent, you can talk about injuries and all that all you like, he'll be under big pressure."I mean, historically, Liverpool haven't been a sacking club.
Has that changed now with time, given how football is?"I think he'd be worried for his job if they finish out of the top five and don't win anything."READ MORE: Sir Kenny Dalglish gives verdict on Andy Robertson Celtic transfer amid uncertain Liverpool futureREAD MORE: Tottenham handed major selection blow ahead of Liverpool Premier League clashLast month, Slot conceded that it would be "unacceptable" if the Reds failed to secure a spot in next season's Champions League."Yes, if we don't have Champions League football, it is definitely not been an acceptable season," he stated."The season I arrived here, we could only sign Federico Chiesa and that was after a Europa League season. It's down to us, together with our fans, to get the results we need to get into the Champions League."We're also still playing in the Champions League and the FA Cup this season and trying to make it successful.