Liverpool are still on track to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but Sunday’s 2-3 defeat to Manchester United revealed several worrying signs – both for Arne Slot and his players.
Liverpool had just ended a disappointing period of poor Premier League form and a Champions League exit against Paris Saint-Germain with three straight wins in the league. But the visit to Old Trafford was anything but successful.
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The Merseyside side were down 0-2 after just 14 minutes. They were in shock against Michael Carrick’s side, and the weak first-half effort cost them dearly.
Showed a fighting spirit – but not enough
Liverpool fought back early in the second half and equalised to make it 2-2. Unfortunately for the Reds, the goals came after two big ball losses from Amad Diallo and Senne Lammens. They had no answer when Kobbie Mainoo scored the winning goal in the 77th minute.
Now the team is six points above a Europa League place, with only three games left of the season.
Big summer awaits at Anfield
A hectic summer is just around the corner at Anfield. The departures of Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah have already been confirmed, and the club is yet to agree on new contract terms with Ibrahima Konaté.
All reports indicate that Liverpool are likely to keep Arne Slot next season as well. He will thus have the chance to right the mistakes of a season that has been marked by several very difficult moments – including the death of Diogo Jota and the injury problems of the club’s most expensive signing ever, Alexander Isak.
But in their defence of the Premier League title, they are 18 points behind league leaders Arsenal. Sunday’s defeat at Old Trafford was their 11th in 35 league games – a very disappointing statistic.
Time for a change of manager?
With several potentially important changes to the squad in the summer, it may also be time to change managers.
Iraola – a better choice than Xabi Alonso
Due to his Liverpool connection and the fact that he is now available, Xabi Alonso will always be the name that is mentioned most in connection with the manager’s job at Anfield if it becomes available. However, Liverpool’s decision-makers should not share the same view as some fans.
One of the reasons is that Alonso plays with three at the back. Ruben Amorim is an example of a manager whose similar system ultimately failed in the Premier League.
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“A matter of course for Liverpool”
With that in mind, Liverpool have a Premier League manager right under their nose who is far better suited than Alonso. He is also available for free in the summer.
Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season. He is leaving the Vitality Stadium after delivering Europa League football to the club. The Cherries are now 15 games unbeaten in the Premier League after beating Crystal Palace on Sunday – which has lifted them to sixth place in the table, just six points behind Liverpool.
Iraola has undoubtedly proven himself to be one of the best managers in the Premier League in recent seasons, given the resources he has had at his disposal. Sky Sports commentator Jamie Redknapp has called him “elite”.
He plays with four at the back and has no doubt a great future in football. All of this reinforces the perception that he should be a clear choice for Liverpool right now.
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