The 2025/26 season has been a real struggle for Liverpool, and Arne Slot’s future has been a constant talking point as we head towards the summer.
As far back as the winter of 2025, during a run of nine defeats in 12, there were calls for Slot to be sacked.
Liverpool are still backing their manager publicly, but Wayne Rooney has suggested that no Champions League football may force those in a position of power at Anfield to have a conversation about the Dutchman.
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No Champions League football could spell the end for Arne Slot at Liverpool
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the former England international said Liverpool should be expected to finish in the top-tier European places, coming off the back of a season in which they won the title.
But if they do not, he is ‘sure’ that conversations will be had about Slot.
Rooney said: “As champions, you’d be expected to finish in a Champions League spot. I’m sure they’ll have conversations if he [Slot] doesn’t.
“There have been times when they’ve been good and times when they haven’t,” Rooney added. “They had lots of new signings so they’d be hoping for a Champions League spot.”
At present, though, Liverpool’s chances of securing top-level European football in 2026/27 do not look high.
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Liverpool’s Champions League and top-five Premier League chances
One way in which the Reds could be playing in the Champions League next term is by winning this season’s competition.
However, they are already a goal down ahead of facing Galatasaray in their second-leg last-16 game on Wednesday.
If they were to beat the Turkish side, they would then likely be drawn against the current holders, PSG, who have a 5-2 lead over Chelsea going into their next game.
So, even with success this week, it is hard to see Liverpool going all the way in the tournament this year.
Alternatively, they could finish inside the top-five Premier League places this season.
However, they are only two points above seventh right now and still have to play their closest rivals – Manchester United, Aston Villa and Chelsea – in their final eight league games of the campaign.
As a result, based on current form, it would not be surprising to see Liverpool miss out on Champions League qualification via both routes.
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