Arne Slot won the title in his first season at Liverpool, but this campaign has been a significant step back. It’s put him under scrutiny, even after such a brilliant start to life at Anfield.
Liverpool have at least clawed themselves back into the top five, and there is still time to finish the season in a more positive place.
But the drop-off has been sharp enough to raise real questions about whether Slot is the man to take the team forward. Jason Cundy, for one, is not convinced.
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Jason Cundy unsure Arne Slot can win another title with Liverpool
Cundy gave a pretty blunt verdict when asked about the future picture at Liverpool if the Dutchman remains at the helm.
He said on talkSPORT: “It feels like no because of what I have seen. It feels like a no for me. But listen, I can’t answer. Ask Liverpool fans if they feel he is capable.
“But I have seen Liverpool, and I didn’t think Liverpool were great last year. I genuinely didn’t. I just thought they were okay, and they won the league at a canter, but they have not kicked on, and there have been reasons.”
Can’t agree on the last bit. Liverpool were not just okay last season. They were dominant for long spells, took control of the title race, and only really trailed off once the job was all but done.
There is a fair debate to be had over whether the current manager can win another title at Anfield. This season has exposed problems, and nobody should pretend otherwise.
But history already suggests he can do it. Slot won the Premier League with Liverpool on his first attempt, and that cannot just be brushed aside because this year has been poor.
With a strong transfer window, circumstances should improve. Slot will have far fewer excuses not to return to last season’s form.
Cundy impressed by Florian Wirtz moment
Cundy did have praise for Florian Wirtz after his latest big moment.
“Wirtz scored an unbelievable goal today. Unbelievable strike. That’s the sort of thing you look at and go, ‘Yeah, that’s what you paid for. That looks like that type of player.’”
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That is the hope for Liverpool. If players like Wirtz start hitting their ceiling and the system clicks again, this team suddenly looks like a contender next season.
Slot has to rediscover the tactical edge he showed last year. If he does that, and Liverpool get the summer right, he can still prove Cundy wrong.
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