Ex-Liverpool star urges Reds to find Arne Slot replacement in firing verdict
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesLiverpool FCFormer Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has dismissed calls to fire Arne Slot, but he believes the Reds should have a managerial replacement in mind if the Dutchman leavesArne Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)Former Liverpool goalkeeper Brad Friedel has rejected calls to dismiss Arne Slot — though he suggests the Reds ought to have a contingency plan ready.Slot, 47, faces mounting scrutiny at Anfield following Liverpool's poor 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Saturday, heading into the international break. The outcome extends Liverpool's Premier League winless streak to three matches, with an FA Cup quarterfinal clash against Manchester City looming next.While some supporters are demanding Slot's departure, Friedel remains unconvinced by such suggestions.
"I'm not even entertaining the idea of Arne Slot leaving, to be honest with you," Friedel told The Action Network.READ MORE: Paul Merson makes Liverpool point about Liam Rosenior and ChelseaREAD MORE: Florian Wirtz makes 'difficult' admission about transition following Liverpool transfer"I grew up a Liverpool supporter, I played for them, and I've played for many other clubs."But if I put my football hat on and leave my heart out of it for a little bit, I'm not one of the pundits or football intellectuals who even think we should be talking about changing the manager."The American, who represented Liverpool from 1997 to 2000, gained valuable experience in soccer administration during his five-month stint as sporting director at Turkish team Besiktas.Some Liverpool fans want Xabi Alonso to replace Arne Slot at Anfield(Image: Getty Images)"When you run a football club, you should always have backup plans in place — that's the norm," Friedel added."But to actually think about pulling the trigger on it?"I just don't see it."You've invested a lot of money in players that he was part of bringing into the club, and I think a lot of those players are very good players."The Premier League is the hardest league to become accustomed to."There might be one club — Real Madrid — that is harder psychologically to go to, but from a league standpoint as a whole, the Premier League is the most difficult."Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has been suggested as a potential successor to Slot, following his dismissal by Real Madrid earlier this year.However, the Dutchman will be hoping to silence speculation about his future during the run-in, as the Reds compete across three competitions to salvage a disappointing campaign with silverware and secure Champions League qualification for next season.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Arne SlotXabi AlonsoLiverpool FC