Will Champions League save Slot at Liverpool?

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Adam Leventhal and correspondents James Pearce and James Horncastle analyze Liverpool's challenging season, which ended with a draw against Brentford securing Champions League qualification despite disappointing statistics. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of losing player Diogo Jota and the struggles of Mohamed Salah, leading to questions about manager Arna Slot's future.

The team reflects on Liverpool's poor performance in terms of goals scored and defensive records, with a significant decline noted since the start of the year. The panel debates whether Slot should retain his position, given the support he has received from the club amid various unforeseen challenges, including player injuries and inconsistent performances.

They discuss the need for Liverpool to reinforce its squad over the summer, particularly focusing on enhancing pace in attack and a more combative approach in midfield. Despite the uncertainty surrounding Slot and the team’s direction, Pearce emphasizes that much of Liverpool's difficulty stemmed from injuries and underperforming key players rather than a lack of talent. The episode wraps up with a look ahead to potential signings and the need for stability in the dressing room before the next season.