The recent struggles of Liverpool FC have stirred the debate about manager status in a way few could have predicted. Despite winning the Premier League title just last season, the club’s form this season has caused ripples among fans, and even prompted murmurs about the future of manager Jürgen Klopp. But the conversation took an unexpected turn when some fans began questioning the position of Klopp’s successor, Anna Slot. The turbulence surrounding Slot’s future in the wake of Liverpool’s poor form raises profound questions about fan loyalty, managerial pressure, and the high standards expected of top-flight managers.

Liverpool has always been a club built on its historic legacy. The Reds are not just another Premier League team; they are one of the most successful and storied football clubs in the world. Over the years, they’ve lived through incredible highs and tragic lows. When Jurgen Klopp arrived at Anfield in 2015, the club was still reeling from years of instability, but under Klopp, Liverpool regained its identity and, in the 2019-2020 season, clinched their first top-flight league title in 30 years.

But now, with a change in management and under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool finds itself struggling to find its form once again. Although it’s common for fans to fluctuate in their opinions of managers during a rough patch, the intensity of this backlash is notable. Some supporters have expressed frustration that Slot’s tactics don’t seem to match up with the club’s long-established expectations. This has led many to ask the burning question—has the former star manager truly lost his magic, or is it simply that the pressures of leading a club like Liverpool have become too great?

When asked about the current situation, former footballer Jamie Redknapp commented on the unsettling sense of doubt surrounding Slot, noting that while fans have always respected him, they have been far less forgiving than when Klopp endured similar struggles. “I think there’s huge respect for An, but the love and unconditional support Klopp always had seem to be missing,” said Redknapp. “Jurgen Klopp had his rocky moments, such as losing six games at Anfield during the 2020 season. But the fans never questioned his position the way they’re questioning Slot’s right now.”

The pressure on Slot intensified after a dismal run of performances that has led to mounting criticism. Fans, frustrated by the lack of progress, have questioned whether the manager is the right fit for a team that needs results now. While Redknapp maintains that firing a manager who just won a league title would be a drastic move, history has shown that it’s not entirely unheard of in football. Chelsea, Leicester, and Manchester City are among the few clubs in Premier League history who have axed managers after winning the title—highlighting the ruthless nature of top-flight football.

The idea that a manager who wins the league could be dismissed the following season is something that typically raises eyebrows. Still, it happens. José Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in 2007 after leading them to a Premier League title, and Claudio Ranieri was dismissed by Leicester City a season after they won their miraculous title in 2016. However, the more poignant examples come from Manchester City, where Roberto Mancini was sacked just days after winning the FA Cup in 2013. That same scenario unfolded for Mourinho during his second stint at Chelsea in 2015, just months after securing the Premier League.

Despite the chaotic nature of these managerial changes, one thing has remained true for Liverpool FC: they have never sacked a manager who has won them a league title. In fact, Liverpool’s history has shown that their managers tend to leave on their own terms or retire for personal reasons. As Redknapp pointed out, Liverpool’s history is steeped in a sense of loyalty to their leaders, with managers like Kenny Dalglish and Bill Shankly departing due to personal choice or the natural end of their respective tenures. Redknapp believes this tradition reflects Liverpool’s values of respect and continuity, traits that have kept the club united through tumultuous periods.

But even with this long-standing tradition, Slot’s situation highlights how the expectations on managers in today’s football world have grown immensely. No longer can a team’s success, or failure, be solely attributed to one individual. The support for Slot’s tenure is now more than just about results on the pitch—it’s about legacy, perception, and whether a manager truly connects with the supporters. And despite his past successes, these factors weigh heavily on the Liverpool manager right now.

What’s clear is that the decision to keep or replace Slot could significantly impact the trajectory of the club’s future. Despite the pressure, Redknapp remains adamant that the situation shouldn’t be viewed as a “crisis.” Instead, it’s a challenging moment for Slot and the team as a whole. However, even as Liverpool’s performance dips, Redknapp also reminded fans of the incredible first 50 games Slot had as Liverpool’s manager, which included more points than any manager in Liverpool’s history other than Bill Shankly and Kenny Dalglish. This run of success shows that Slot has potential to turn the tide, given the right environment and support.

But the pressure continues to build. With the rising expectations and the brutal scrutiny of managers, the window of opportunity to succeed in the Premier League is shrinking. If the team continues to slide, there may be calls for drastic changes. Some feel that the challenge before Slot isn’t simply about the next match or the upcoming season, but about whether he can deliver the kind of sustained success that the club’s fanbase expects, especially after the highs of Klopp’s reign. Fans, frustrated by the slow start to the season, are demanding to know whether the club’s leaders will stand by the manager or make a change before things deteriorate even further.

One of the most disheartening aspects of the situation is the apparent fracture within the locker room. As Redknapp observed, the frustration isn’t just from fans but also from the players who feel that they are being held back by a lack of decisive leadership. The team is struggling to find direction, and the longer the uncertainty lingers, the harder it becomes for Slot to maintain the faith of both players and supporters. While the challenges are undoubtedly difficult, Redknapp insists that firing Slot would be the wrong decision—at least for this season. “The club has to give him a chance to turn things around,” Redknapp emphasized.

Ultimately, the future of Liverpool FC rests on their ability to find stability, both in the dugout and on the field. While the struggles of this season have been difficult to watch, the solution isn’t simply about replacing a manager or making rash decisions. It’s about rebuilding trust, ensuring that every player is on the same page, and that the franchise doesn’t let a rough patch turn into an irreversible decline.

What happens next for Slot and Liverpool is uncertain, but one thing is clear—the pressure is mounting. Fans and analysts alike are waiting for answers, and only time will tell if the team can recover or if this season will be remembered as one where missed opportunities and poor decisions led to yet another failed campaign.