Didi Hamann has been talking the future of Liverpool head coach Arne Slot ahead of today’s big Premier League game at Manchester United
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot’s future has been subject to speculation during a testing second season on Merseyside (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Didi Hamann has addressed the future of Liverpool head coach Arne Slot ahead of today’s massive match at Manchester United (3.30pm kick-off). The Reds head to their bitter rivals in good form after winning their last three Premier League matches.
Victory at Old Trafford, paired with Bournemouth failing to win at home to Crystal Palace (2pm kick-off) earlier on in the afternoon, would see the outgoing champions qualify for next season’s Champions League with three games of the campaign to play.
Should Liverpool achieve what is always their minimum objective, that will quieten the noise around Slot, who led the club to the title in his first season in charge but whose second year on Merseyside has been far more challenging.
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And Haman, who played a key role in the Reds winning the Champions League back in 2005, said: “I’ve heard that Arne Slot will be there next season. I think there’s a case to be made that maybe a change of manager should happen or should have happened.
“But Liverpool have always been very loyal to their managers. He won the league last season of course so I think it’s a decision I can live with, and I think most fans can live with, if they have a decent finish to the season.
“Then obviously, you need to see what’s happening in the summer after the World Cup with players going, obviously Andy Robertson leaving, Mohamed Salah leaving. But yeah, I think it’s a decision that is understandable.
“For probably the first time in a long time Liverpool fans are split, it’s a very knowledgeable fan base and Liverpool doesn’t usually sack managers. That’s obviously changed in the last 10 or 12 years because the game has changed and managers have to leave quicker than they did 20 or 25 years ago.
“But usually when the fan base turns, it’s a matter of time before the manager has to go. Now with Arne Slot, I think it’s split because of what he’s done last season. I think it’s probably the first time in a long time that it’s as split as it’s ever been.
“I think both camps have a case, but the club has to make a decision. And I think there’s been so much uncertainty this year. I don’t think there’s any guarantee a new manager will change things.
“Obviously there was a lot of talk about Xabi Alonso. I’m not sure whether he would be interested. I’m sure they would have asked him whether he would be if there was a change.
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“I think the fan base is split and that shows how tricky the situation is, really, because the team is on paper an awful lot better than where they are at the moment. But obviously in football you never know what’s going to happen.
“But I think it’s a decent end to the season if they do finish in the top five and go to Champions League football next season.”
After facing Man United today, the Reds host Chelsea, head to Aston Villa and then entertain Brentford on the final day of the campaign. They know five points from those matches will be enough to seal an all-important top-five finish.
Hamann, speaking to NewBettingSites.co.uk, believes this afternoon’s crucial clash will end in a draw. He said: “I think it’ll be 2-2. I think it’ll suit them both. The position they’re both in, a draw wouldn’t be a bad result for either.”
Man United legend Bryan Robson, meanwhile, reckons Hamann could be right.
Speaking to Bet St George, Robson said: “Winning against Liverpool is what all the Man United fans want, and similarly, Liverpool beating Man United is what their fans want. The players know how big this game is.
“United don’t necessarily have more to play for than Liverpool, but if United win this game, that’s six points clear, which is a decent advantage going into the last games.
“If Liverpool win, then it looks as if it could be decided on goal difference. So, it is a massive game for both clubs.
“I’m looking at either 2-1 to United, because I think there will be goals in the game, but I’m also thinking maybe a 2-2 draw.”