Steven Gerrard shares his ‘understanding’ of the current situation around Arne Slot’s Liverpool future
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Steven Gerrard has sidestepped questions over whether Xabi Alonso should have joined Liverpool by reaffirming that Arne Slot will carry on in charge of the club.Reds fans have been up in arms this weekend after it emerged that Alonso is all set to join Chelsea next season.But when asked about supporters’ disappointment while speaking live on air with TNT Sports on Saturday, Gerrard made it clear that he is not expecting a change in manager at Liverpool this summer. This sounds like it was aimed at Slot… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC Gerrard expecting Slot to continueFor those following the news closely, it should not have been a major surprise to learn that Alonso will not be joining Liverpool.The Reds’ hierarchy have seemed determined to stick by Slot no matter what, leaving their former midfielder no choice but to look elsewhere for employment.But while it is a disappointment to see Alonso move to a direct rival, there is simply no vacancy for him to fill at Liverpool, as Gerrard said when pushed by Laura Woods to give his reaction from a Reds point of view.“I’ve got to ask, how disappointing will that [Alonso joining Chelsea] be for Liverpool fans.” Woods asked, prompting a knowing laugh from Gerrard.Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty ImagesREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher says how he now feels about Xabi Alonso taking over at Chelsea and not Liverpool“I knew you were going to ask me that question!” the Scouser responded.
“Listen, just to get my cricket bat out, the noises from Arne Slot, and there’s no noises coming from above Arne Slot, is that he’s going to continue for the next game against Brentford, then he’s going to have another pre-season and start the new season as Liverpool manager. That’s to my understanding.”Liverpool fans must get behind SlotWhile there is frustration – and even some unadulterated anger – from fans that Slot will be allowed to continue despite a miserable campaign, it is quite clear that this is now the direction of travel.It would take some climbdown from FSG to reverse their decision, and although that is not impossible, it seems especially unlikely at this point.
If Xabi Alonso goes to Chelsea, who should be Liverpool’s next manager? Credit: Haitham AL-SHUKAIRI/AFP/Getty Images So, though it may not be the outcome they were hoping for, fans now have to accept the decision and get behind Slot and the team.There is no use pouting and making things even more toxic than they already are, that will help nobody.And with the prime managerial candidate now taken off the market anyway, sacking Slot could potentially leave Liverpool in a far worse position and scrabbling around for a lesser coach.Clearly, things may blow up in FSG’s face and things could get even worse, but until that happens, Liverpool fans should bring some positivity back and get as fully behind their manager as possible.