Alan Shearer and Micah Richards clash over Arne Slot’s Liverpool future
Former England internationals Alan Shearer and Micah Richards are fiercely divided over whether Arne Slot should be sacked following Liverpool’s disastrous Premier League title defence.
The pressure is mounting on the Dutch manager after a torrid domestic campaign and a humiliating 4-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City.
The Merseyside club currently sit fifth in the table, fighting to secure European qualification as their erratic form continues.
They now face a daunting trip to France to play holders Paris St-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
Champions League glory required?
Shearer believes the upcoming European tie carries enormous significance for the under-fire boss.
The former Newcastle United striker suggested that lifting the continent’s most prestigious trophy may be the only way to save his job.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the 54-year-old expressed his dismay at the current situation at Anfield.
“It’s crazy, especially after what they did last season and the money they have spent,” said Shearer.
“It just hasn’t worked for them, they’ve been all over the place, they’ve been so inconsistent.”
“He has to get in the Champions League via winning it. I’m not even sure top five would be enough, but it’s not nice to see what’s going on at Liverpool.”
Calls for patience at Anfield
If the Premier League secures an additional European berth through coefficient rankings, a fifth-place finish would guarantee Champions League football next season.
The defending champions currently occupy that crucial fifth spot, but sit only five points ahead of ninth-placed Fulham in a tightly contested race.
Chelsea, Brentford and Everton are all within striking distance and ready to capitalise on any further slip-ups from the reigning titleholders.
Despite the perilous league position, Richards insists the head coach has built up enough goodwill to earn a reprieve.
The former Manchester City defender pointed to key attacking absences as a major mitigating factor in this season’s spectacular collapse.
“I’d like to see him get one more season,” Richards explained.
“This season has been, I don’t want to say a transition and I know a lot of people will say ‘Hold on, he’s spent a lot of money’.”
“But their main striker has been out.”