Liverpool boss Arne Slot will likely be sacked if they do not qualify for the Champions League next season.
That is the verdict of club legend Danny Murphy, who was speaking exclusively to GB News.
It has been a difficult campaign for the Premier League champions, who currently sit sixth in the table after a shock 2-1 loss to Wolves on Tuesday night.
Slot was heralded a genius after sweeping up a Premier League title last season – just the second that the Reds have managed – in just his debut year in charge.
Arne Slot finds himself in a very tough position with Liverpool
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REUTERS
However, there has been a complete reversal in fortunes this season with Liverpool now fighting to even finish in the top five.
Finishing fifth will almost certainly be enough to claim a Champions League spot due to England’s strong coefficient ranking, though even that looks a longshot for Slot’s men currently after a shocking campaign.
Speaking exclusively to GB News in association with Spreadex Sports, Liverpool legend Murphy revealed he believes Slot will be facing the axe if his old club are not in Europe’s most prestigious competition next season.
The former England international, who made 249 appearances for the Reds, said: “There’s been a swing in the Liverpool fan base.
“I’m not suggesting you can always play well and win, but when you’re playing for a club like Liverpool, you’re expecting a bit more creativity and dynamism.
“If Slot doesn’t get in the Champions League places and fails to win silverware, he might be changed.”
Liverpool have been inconsistent in the Premier League this season | PA
Danny Murphy made 249 appearances for Liverpool but does not like how his old club are getting on
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PA
Sacking Slot would represent quite the turnaround in fortunes for Liverpool, who have consistently battled for trophies over the last decade or so, having enjoyed Jurgen Klopp’s tenure.
During the German’s reign, Liverpool won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Champions League, solidifying him as a legend of the club.
Liverpool have lost nine times in the Premier League alone this season, with five of those defeats remarkably coming from late goals after the 90th minute and fans are starting to turn on the Dutchman.
But with the Reds still fighting in the Champions League and an FA Cup clash against Wolves on Friday night, they remain in the fight for several trophies this season – could Slot turn it around?
Murphy added: “There’s a there’s a lot of factors that have contributed to where they’re at, but I don’t think any of us predicted this. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing and Arne Slot wouldn’t have predicted it. He wouldn’t have seen this coming.
“There’s still a possibility, although a slim one, of winning a Champions League or an and an FA Cup.
Liverpool have suffered a torrid campaign so far but remain in the battle for trophies
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REUTERS
“Now, we’ve seen the Champions League be won by teams come good near the end of the season before. Even if you think of Liverpool, they won it in 2005. That domestic season was poor.
“I think Liverpool fans will turn up, support a team, and believe that maybe they can, you know, work a miracle to win this Champions League.
“But generally, if they keep playing the way they are, and come away with nothing at the end of the season, including a lack of qualification for the Champions League, then the reality is he’s under severe pressure.”
