Arne Slot: Liverpool Manager Faces Sack Over Top Four

Liverpool manager Arne Slot faces dismissal if he fails to secure Champions League qualification this season, according to pundit Paul Merson.

The Dutchman is under mounting scrutiny following a difficult Premier League title defence that has left his side lingering outside the top four.

Having guided the Merseyside club to the top-flight crown in his debut season, expectations were exceptionally high after succeeding Jurgen Klopp.

However, despite an estimated summer outlay exceeding £400m, the reigning champions have regressed significantly on the pitch.

Champions League imperative

The Anfield outfit have suffered nine league defeats and drawn a further six matches this term.

While domestic and European cup avenues remain open, Merson believes financial regulations make top-tier European football non-negotiable.

“If he won the FA Cup, but didn’t finish in Champions League positions it wouldn’t make any difference at all,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“I think Liverpool have got to get in the Champions League with the financial fair play rule.”

Missing out on the premier European competition would severely impact the club’s ability to recruit top-quality talent.

Integrating new high-profile additions has proven challenging amidst the intense pressure of defending a domestic title.

“He will have to get in the top four, I would have thought, otherwise he might be the next Tottenham manager,” Merson added.

Despite the external noise, the 46-year-old insists he is not concerned about his immediate job security.

The former Eredivisie coach pointed to their progression in both the FA Cup and European competition as evidence of ongoing ambition.

“This season, I think it’s safe to say and fair to say that this season has been much more of a struggle than last season,” Slot admitted.

“But still, we are able to win things. I think we’ve got a squad that has shown this season already that we’ve improved.”