Liverpool block Arne Slot coaching request amid departure rumours
Liverpool manager Arne Slot could face an uncertain future at Anfield this summer after reportedly being blocked from adding Johnny Heitinga to his coaching staff.
Former Everton defender Joleon Lescott believes the decision to deny the managerial request is an ominous sign for the Dutchman.
Heitinga recently departed Tottenham Hotspur following the dismissal of Thomas Frank and was heavily linked with a reunion with his former colleague.
The Anfield hierarchy have reportedly refused permission to integrate the former Dutch international into the current backroom team.
High expectations and emotional toll
The Merseyside club have endured a turbulent campaign following the success of winning the Premier League title during the head coach’s debut season.
Their domestic title defence has faltered, with the side currently sitting sixth in the table and trailing leaders Arsenal by 19 points with nine games remaining.
Speaking on a podcast, Lescott defended the current regime while pointing to the significant emotional impact of Diogo Jota’s tragic death earlier this year.
“If a player suffered a bereavement and had an off season, we would be compassionate to that a lot more than we’re being compassionate to the fact that everyone suffered that bereavement.”
The pundit emphasised that the tragedy has profoundly affected the entire club, arguing that it requires real consideration when assessing the team’s league form.
European and cup hopes remain
Despite their Premier League struggles, the six-time European champions remain active in two major cup competitions.
They face a crucial Champions League second leg at Anfield next week, needing to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Turkish side Galatasaray.
A high-profile FA Cup quarter-final tie against Manchester City also awaits in early April.
Lescott argued that supporters would have gladly accepted this scenario following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, questioning why the current manager is under such intense scrutiny.
“I don’t know how he can be questioned. The fact they’re stopping him from getting staffing means there’s probably potential change at the end of the season.”
