Michael Owen warns Arne Slot over Liverpool exit as new coach set to join
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Liverpool FC NewsFeaturesMichael OwenLiverpool is set to appoint Etienne Reijnen as the club's new assistant coach this summer, as Michael Owen warns Arne Slot that a poor start to next season could see the pressure on him intensifyFormer Liverpool forward Michael Owen has sent a warning to Arne Slot(Image: Getty Images)Michael Owen has urged Arne Slot to hit the ground running next season or risk facing the axe.Slot may well have just the ally to help him do so, with Etienne Reijnen preparing to pack up his life in the Netherlands this weekend ahead of a move to Merseyside to reunite with the Liverpool head coach.Reijnen had been working alongside Robin van Persie at Feyenoord before departing his role last weekend. Slot had been keen to bring Reijnen with him when he made the switch to Anfield in 2024, but the 39-year-old was refused a work permit at the time.READ MORE: Alisson stance on Liverpool future amid new twist in Juventus transfer claimsREAD MORE: Florian Wirtz defends Mohamed Salah after Liverpool statement slammed by Jamie CarragherFormer Reds forward Owen has cautioned Slot that should results across the opening 10 matches of next season fall short, the heat on him will intensify considerably.Speaking via Flashscore, he said: "For Slot, it's extremely rare for Liverpool fans to turn on their own manager, but I think right now a lot of fans would want a change."Liverpool normally don't swap managers as often as other clubs, and Slot does have credit for winning the league and likely scraping Champions League football.Slot is under pressure at Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)"But that's not enough for Liverpool, it's not just about finishing fourth.
I think he'll stay to start next season, but if results aren't good in the first 10 or so games, pressure will really ramp up."As for the season overall, there are many reasons for the struggles. The team started in tragic circumstances with the loss of Diogo Jota, and no one knows how deeply that affected the group."They lost a number of key players, and the team that previously worked so well together changed a lot."Add injuries, questions about some signings, players needing time to gel, and confidence issues, it all has a cumulative effect."You can't blame any one thing, but Liverpool were below their own standards, and it'll take a big reset over the summer to get back to where they need to be."Slot has endured relentless speculation surrounding his position this season, following a Premier League title defense that began promisingly before rapidly unraveling.Yet those at the helm at Anfield continue to back the Dutchman, despite a considerable portion of the fanbase calling for a change in the dugout.The move to bring in Reijnen serves as further evidence that the Liverpool hierarchy is willing to stand firmly behind Slot heading into the summer.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCMichael OwenArne Slot