Liverpool manager Slot is expected to remain in his post next season despite a trophyless campaign which saw the Reds try and fail to defend their Premier League title.
Slot’s side won their first five games of the season but are now likely to finish 5th as they fight for a Champions League place. Liverpool will have to settle without silverware this season and as they prepare to lose Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, the club may go from bad to worse.
Owen backs Slot to lead Liverpool next season
Michael Owen, who is UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org, spoke exclusively to Tribal Football this week about Slot, a manager who he believes is still fit for the job despite such a disappointing season.
Do you think fans have been fair on Arne Slot this season?
"I think so. It’s been a really tough season for Liverpool. Quite a few out goings and it has taken time for the replacements to settle and Liverpool haven’t really got going this season. The (Alexander) Isak transfer saga went on a long time and then he needed time to be match fit.
"The very sad passing of (Diogo) Jota must have hit the squad hard and you never know how one really takes this in. Injuries have been present this season and an issue for the team too. So I believe the fans have been right behind the team to give them the support they need. Liverpool have a tradition of not letting managers go and fans likewise are fully supportive of managers."
Do you think Slot is the right man to lead the side into next season?
"From what I know, I believe Arne Slot will be in charge next season and as mentioned before, Liverpool have a tradition of backing mangers and not switching regularly, so I think Slot starts next season and with a good pre-season and hopefully Isak full fit and (Hugo) Ekitike back as quickly as possible, Liverpool can look to start the season well.
"Slot won the title in his first season so credit here is due as it’s not an easy thing to do, especially in your first season. So he has earned the right to keep going, and a good pre-season can enable any doubters and Liverpool can challenge again."
Owen doesn't believe Xabi Alonso would have fit in at Liverpool
Are you frustrated that Liverpool missed out on Xabi Alonso who joined Chelsea this month?
"Well, not really. If Liverpool fans want the (Jurgen) Klopp style of football, then if you look at the way Alonso played at Leverkusen, this was a different style that Liverpool plays. Alonso was a slower build up, lots of possession, but he is the opposite from what Liverpool style would expect.
"He could though change this, I accept, with the players Liverpool have and also with the fans, there is that connection and love for Alonso, but as I say, from what he has shown, I don’t think it would have been a perfect fit."
Do you worry about the lack of managers who could replace Slot if he leaves?
"Yes, a little and it is a problem yes. The off season is where more top managers are available and if next season didn’t start well for Liverpool, then you are looking and 2nd tier managers who could be available.
"You don’t want to miss the boat and big fear that someone can be available now and in the summer and then not during next season. But Slot has earned the right to be in charge for the start of the season, so hope Liverpool can start well."
Salah and Robertson will be hard to replace
Salah and Robertson will leave this month, how hard will it be to replace them?
"Same as this year with Trent (Alexander-Arnold) and (Luis) Diaz leaving. So yes it will be really hard to replace them for sure. With (Mohamed) Salah, you can see he can’t be replaced with the number of goals and assists he has for the team.
"So it’s a case of adding to the squad in areas that can help the team score more, create more and then concede less. So it will be difficult, but Liverpool have spent along this year, the players will have a season under their belt now and hopefully come back stronger next season, having adapted to the Premier League."
Do you agree with Salah that Liverpool have played poor football? Or do you support Slot going forward?
"From Mo’s Salah's comment, well, I agree with and understand his comments, but what I don’t agree with is sharing them so the whole world can see. Mo doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does its huge news and huge noise and comments .
"Off course Liverpool fans want to see better football and win more games, but there is a time and place for this, and it’s not in public. And when Mo does speak it has been quite negative towards the club and what help does it actually do for the club."