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Liverpool Told Why Arne Slot Should Not Be Fired Despite $670M Summer Spending
Amid Liverpool FC's disappointing 2025-26 season, calls for head coach Arne Slot's dismissal have grown louder, despite the club's massive $670 million summer spending on high-profile signings. However, former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart has passionately defended Slot, arguing he deserves more time to turn things around[1].
Slot, who took over from Jürgen Klopp in June 2024, delivered instant success by winning the Premier League title in his debut 2024-25 campaign with four games to spare, alongside an EFL Cup final appearance[3][4]. Named LMA Manager of the Year, the Dutch tactician built on his Eredivisie triumphs with Feyenoord. Yet, this season, Liverpool languish outside the UEFA Champions League spots, with new recruits like Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike failing to fire offensively[1].
Van der Vaart insists sacking Slot now would be premature. "He's still adapting his system, and these young players need time to gel," he reportedly stated, highlighting Slot's tactical flexibility and past achievements. Despite the hefty investments—fortifying the squad with world-class talent—results have faltered, prompting squad overhaul plans for 2026-27[1].
Liverpool eyes Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa's breakout midfielder, as a potential savior, with PSG also in the race. The £80M+ deal could fund exits for underperformers like Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, and even club legend Mohamed Salah, whose forms have dipped[1]. Slot already boasts Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz in midfield, but Rogers could enable shifts—Wirtz to the wing, Szoboszlai anchoring with Ryan Gravenberch—boosting versatility amid possible Curtis Jones departure.
With Slot's contract nearing its end in under two years, pressure mounts[5]. Yet Van der Vaart urges patience: the $670M spree reflects long-term faith in Slot's vision. Recent updates show Slot managing injuries to Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong, and others ahead of key fixtures like Nottingham Forest[3]. His philosophy on rest—leaving the UK for downtime—underscores a balanced approach[6]. Firing him risks derailing progress; backing Slot could yet yield another title charge.
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