Ally McCoist is spot on with his Arne Slot firing verdict after Liverpool woes

• 

• Liverpool FC News
• Features
• Arne Slot

Ally McCoist has made his feelings clear on Liverpool head coach Arne Slot, who has been under pressure but looks set to guide the Reds back into the Champions League

TNT Sports pundit Ally McCoist has made his feelings clear(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

As much because of Chelsea's collapse as Liverpool's improvement in form, it suddenly looks a lot more likely that Arne Slot's men will secure a route back into the Champions League.

From here, Opta gives the Reds a 90 percent likelihood of confirming their spot in the top five places. It is considered statistically more likely from here that they finish above one of Aston Villa or Manchester United than that they are caught.

For that reason, even with five games remaining, Arne Slot's position feels more certain. Liverpool will need to improve next season, but getting back into the UEFA competition that it was knocked out of last week is a good place to start.

"I think there will be one or two Liverpool fans, understandably, still a little bit concerned about the way the team has performed recently," Ally McCoist said on talkSPORT.

"But from Arne Slot's point of view, I think he will be given the chance to get his team back together again for the start of the season, for the start of the campaign, and to go again."

This season, Liverpool should have been able to perform better. There have been multiple low points, and had things gone smoothly, another league title would not have been out of the question.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot should get another chance(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

But there are reasons to think that next year can be different. Ibrahima Konate committing his future to the Reds is a big boost, while the likes of Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni — signed last summer — are yet to make an impact.

Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez — to name just two of those brought in for relatively big money — should only get better after getting a year of Premier League action under their belts, and there will be new additions that follow Jeremy Jacquet through the door.

Beating Everton in the last minute has changed the mood, and the bigger picture will not be forgotten.

But finish the season by getting over the line in the top race with something to spare and that will set up an important summer.

"I do think it was a big result for them," McCoist added. "I still think that the Champions League place is absolutely vital for Liverpool.

"There would have been questions of Liverpool had they not — and they’re not there yet, obviously — guaranteed Champions League football. I still think they’ll get there."

Assuming that proves correct, the title-winning manager of last season should get the chance to go again. With a bit more pace to call on and a full summer to work with Isak and co, the outlook next year should be very different.