It seems the winds of managerial dismissals have blown strongly in the English Premier League. Following the departures of Enzo Maresca from Chelsea and Ruben Amorim from Manchester United, Liverpool manager Arne Slott could be the third to be sacked in the near future.
Liverpool has suffered a significant decline in performance and results this season, despite a major summer transfer window in which the club acquired players worth over €300 million.
The Liverpool board has stood by Slott despite the poor results. However, according to Anfield Watch, a conflict has erupted between the Dutch manager and sporting director Richard Hughes.
The primary cause of this conflict is Slott’s policy. The manager is not keen on relying on young players and academy graduates, preferring instead to sign established players who can make an immediate impact.
Hughes openly questioned why Slott wasn’t relying on young player Rio Ngomoha, especially since the 19-year-old had shown impressive form at the start of the season before the Dutchman decided to sideline him, despite the clear need for his attacking contributions.
Ngomoha sparked a conflict between Slott and Hughes, as he opened the door for the sporting director to rely more on young players, as was the case during Jurgen Klopp’s era. Slott, however, remains steadfast in his opposition to this idea, further escalating the tension between him and the Merseyside club’s management.
A new run of defeats could very well lead to Slott’s immediate dismissal from Liverpool as the conflict between him and Hughes intensifies. Frustration is growing within the Reds’ hierarchy over recent results, with the manager clearly failing to make his mark and fundamentally change things as he promised last November.
It is worth noting that Slott led Liverpool to the Premier League title last season, but this season they are in fourth place, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, and have drawn their last two matches against Leeds United and Fulham.
