Dutch media suggest Liverpool decision on Arne Slot future

Liverpool’s handling of Arne Slot’s difficult second season has come under scrutiny from the Netherlands, with one prominent Dutch journalist suggesting the club may already have decided the manager’s long-term fate.

Despite the famously unforgiving tone of Dutch football media, Slot has largely avoided sustained criticism since arriving at Anfield. That restraint was driven mainly by success: winning the Premier League title in his first season gave him immediate credibility and protection, even back home.

However, with Liverpool now struggling domestically, that shield appears to be weakening.

Liverpool currently sit sixth in the Premier League, with Arsenal holding a commanding 14-point lead at the top. Any realistic hope of retaining the title has faded, shifting the club’s immediate priority to securing Champions League qualification.

As results have dipped, frustration around Slot has grown. What began as murmurs of concern has, in some quarters, escalated into calls for change — and that pressure is now being amplified from the Netherlands.

Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen has become one of the most vocal critics, questioning not only Slot’s performances but also whether Liverpool’s hierarchy have already made a private decision about his future.

The Dutch journalist also took aim at Slot’s reaction when questioned about reported interest in Xabi Alonso. According to Driessen, the Liverpool manager appeared unusually taken aback by the speculation.

He contrasted that response with Slot’s time in the Netherlands, when links to Tottenham Hotspur and later Liverpool were met with far less discomfort. In those moments, Driessen suggested, Slot appeared flattered rather than irritated by transfer rumours.

That contrast has been interpreted by some as a sign of insecurity rather than confidence, further feeding speculation about whether Slot feels his position is under threat.

Having followed Liverpool closely this season, the picture is more nuanced than raw league position alone suggests. Squad transition, fixture congestion and adaptation to a new managerial era have all played a role in uneven performances.

However, it remains too early to draw firm conclusions. Much will depend on how Liverpool respond in the coming weeks, particularly in Europe and in direct competition with fellow top-four contenders.

Still, the emergence of pointed criticism from the Netherlands marks a notable shift — and one that Slot has largely avoided until now.

Liverpool’s upcoming league fixtures and their Champions League campaign are likely to shape the narrative around Slot’s future. Strong performances could stabilise his position and quiet external noise, while further domestic setbacks would only intensify speculation. With Alonso continuing to be linked, Liverpool’s leadership will be keen to maintain clarity internally, even if outwardly they project calm.

Should Liverpool stick with Arne Slot through the transition, or is change inevitable if Champions League qualification slips away?