Tusport - News - Pearce: Liverpool back Slot amid sack rumours; Pennant slams stats

Liverpool have moved to calm speculation around head coach Arne Slot after a wave of social media rumours suggested the Dutchman could be removed. Respected Liverpool reporter James Pearce posted on X that the club’s stance is unchanged: “Liverpool’s position on Arne Slot remains unchanged – despite a day of social media rumours.” The update arrives as debate intensifies over Slot’s first season. Former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant urged Fenway Sports Group on talkSPORT to dismiss Slot, citing what he called “shocking” statistics, including claims of record losses and goals conceded. Pennant argued that Liverpool’s current approach lacks aggression and attacking threat, describing the side as playing like a mid‑table outfit. While he acknowledged the quality of the squad, he suggested the philosophy had drifted from recent seasons and that a reset may be required unless heavy investment is made. Those calls followed Mohamed Salah’s social media criticism of the team’s form and Slot’s playing style. Pennant said the forward was “stating the obvious,” adding that he doubts next season will look different under the same direction without significant changes. The public nature of Salah’s comments has added a new layer to the conversation, raising questions about alignment between the dressing room and the head coach’s ideas. Meanwhile, the rumour mill has linked Andoni Iraola with Liverpool, with some reports claiming he has internal admirers, and Xabi Alonso’s name continues to surface in wider fan discussions. However, no credible reporting has indicated a change of course at Anfield. Pearce’s message reinforces that the board are not reacting to online noise and still see Slot as the figure to lead the project. From the club’s perspective, continuity often matters at this stage of a cycle: the recruitment team will shape summer business, pre‑season plans are forming, and tactical refinements can be made with a full off‑season. For critics, the counter‑argument is that prolonged uncertainty risks compounding on‑field issues and unsettling key players. As things stand, Liverpool’s line is clear: Slot remains in post, backed by the hierarchy. The coming weeks—player exits and arrivals, any further communication from senior figures, and how Salah’s role is framed—will determine whether the temperature cools. Until then, the debate around style, results, and the right path forward for Liverpool will continue to dominate conversation on Merseyside and beyond.