Michael Owen has told Arne Slot Liverpool must get off to a fast start next season if he wants to avoid the sack. And Slot has just the man to help him do that, with Etienne Reijnen packing up his belongings in the Netherlands this weekend ahead of a move to Merseyside to link up with the Liverpool boss.
Reijnen had been working alongside Robin van Persie at Feyenoord, but he left his position at the club last weekend. Slot had wanted to bring Reijnen with him when he moved to Anfield in 2024, but the 39-year-old was denied a work permit.
But former Reds forward Owen has warned Slot that if results in the first 10 games of next season aren’t great, then the pressure on him will really ramp up. Speaking via Flashscore, he said: “For Slot, it’s extremely rare for Liverpool fans to turn on their own manager, but I think right now a lot of fans would want a change.
“Liverpool normally don’t swap managers as often as other clubs, and Slot does have credit for winning the league and likely scraping Champions League football.
“But that’s not enough for Liverpool, it’s not just about finishing fourth. I think he’ll stay to start next season, but if results aren’t good in the first 10 or so games, pressure will really ramp up.
“As for the season overall, there are many reasons for the struggles. The team started in tragic circumstances with the loss of Diogo Jota, and no one knows how deeply that affected the group.
“They lost a number of key players, and the team that previously worked so well together changed a lot. Add injuries, questions about some signings, players needing time to gel, and confidence issues, it all has a cumulative effect.
“You can’t blame any one thing, but Liverpool were below their own standards, and it’ll take a big reset over the summer to get back to where they need to be.”
View 2 ImagesArne Slot has overseen a poor season at Liverpool(Image: Jacob King/PA Wire.)
FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page
Slot has faced a mountain of speculation regarding his future this season after the Reds’ Premier League title defence started strongly but faded quickly. However, those in charge at Anfield continue to back the Dutchman, even though large sections of the fanbase want a managerial change.
And the move to bring in Reijnen is yet another indication that the Liverpool hierarchy is prepared to stand by Slot this summer. When asked how close he was to appointing Reijnen on Friday, Slot replied: “As I always say about players, it is the same about staff members. As long as things are not done, then I will not be commenting on who we are signing or who we don’t.”
Article continues below
He added: “Well, it is fair to say that I have worked with him before. And I have a very high regard for him in terms of the coach he is. It is also clear that I tried to sign him two years ago when I first came here, but we couldn’t do it.”
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£44SkyGet the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.