With every dismal passing performance, the pressure grows on Liverpool to replace Arne Slot before the end of the season.
The Dutchman currently looks safe for now, but the presence of former midfielder Xabi Alonso as an available alternative means he will not be sitting comfortably.
Alonso reportedly wants a break before the start of next season, however, and with Liverpool arguably needing to make a change sooner, legendary former captain Steven Gerrard could yet come into the mix as an interim boss.
Pick the better Liverpool manager
Current feelings for Slot aside, has he been better than Benitez?
Although Gerrard’s managerial career has been mixed, the Scouser could be exactly what the Liverpool squad need to be given a kick up the backside. During a behind the scenes Anfield visit for TNT Sports released on Monday, Gerrard demonstrated why he could be perfect to put in temporary charge.
Gerrard sends reminder to ‘lucky’ Liverpool players
Part of the issue of this season has been that a growing disconnect has formed between players and fans. On Monday, Dominik Szoboszlai issued a frustrated statement asking supporters to stay until the end of games and stop leaving early.
While he is not necessarily wrong, some supporters will be annoyed with Szoboszlai, likely arguing that none of the players are showing the fight they expect to see from their team and, as a result, they are within their rights to leave.
Though he would perhaps echo Szoboszlai’s wishes, Gerrard showed during a visit to the home dressing room ahead of January’s visit of Newcastle that he knows exactly what fans want to see from Liverpool players.
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“Listen, when you’re in this dressing room you’re a blessed person,” said the 45-year-old. “You’re very lucky. You should make the most of it because it flies by.
“So, if there was any message I could give to any of these players in here it’s savour every moment and give it everything you’ve got, because it soon passes you by, and if you’re like me you wish you could go back to the beginning.”
Gerrard could give Liverpool players fresh energy
If it were up to us at Rousing The Kop, Slot should be sacked on the spot. Liverpool are gambling with what could still be a very good season by keeping the Dutchman in charge.
There are no signs at all that he can turn things around, and while the Reds may well be waiting to appoint Alonso in the summer, there is absolutely no harm in relieving Slot of his duties early and bringing Gerrard in.
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The former captain would absolutely relish the chance, and due to his natural character and status as a true great of modern football, the Liverpool players would surely respond to him.
His message while sitting in the corner of the home changing room may have been fairly simple, but it was said with a deep feeling, one which would make you go out and really make sure you left everything on the pitch.
Liverpool just do not get that same level of buy-in from Slot. Everything feels passive and listless, and that translates out onto the pitch.
He may not be the greatest football manager out there right now, but Gerrard absolutely gets what is needed to be successful at Liverpool. For a short time at least, he has shown once again that he could be the right man to get a disinterested Anfield crowd – and dressing room – back on side.
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