Arne Slot has 'minimum requirement' at Liverpool this season as firing stance emerges

Liverpool has no intention of making a mid-season managerial change but things must improve under Arne Slot if he wants to get the supporters back on side

The fans' discontent with Arne Slot is growing(Image: AFP or licensors)

Securing Champions League qualification for Liverpool is the minimum requirement for Arne Slot this season, according to a new report.

The scrutiny on Slot continues to increase, despite the Reds being on a 12-game unbeaten run in all competitions. That run has included six draws, including four in the last five games, and the Reds are still waiting for their first Premier League win of 2026.

Saturday's performance against Burnley was one of Liverpool's brighter displays in recent weeks, but the team was made to pay for its profligacy in front of goal, with Dominik Szoboszlai missing a first-half penalty.

Fan discontent with Slot is growing, but The Athletic reports that he retains the backing of his paymasters – although the same report suggests that could change if Liverpool fails to secure qualification for next season's Champions League.

The sacking of Xabi Alonso by Real Madrid has added an extra dimension to Liverpool's managerial situation, with the former Reds midfielder likely to be favored by the majority supporters, should the club opt to make a change in the dugout.

Boos rang out around Anfield following the final whistle against Burnley, and it won't get any easier for Liverpool in the coming days, with a tricky Champions League trip to Marseille on Wednesday's agenda.

Virgil van Dijk hinted that there would be some stern words for his teammates upon their return to the AXA Training Center on Monday.

Virgil van Dijk admitted the draw with Burnley left him feeling frustrated(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

"I think frustration is the word that is definitely in my head right now," Van Dijk told reporters. "I'm frustrated. I'm frustrated that after 60 minutes we started to become sloppy and it's not the first time. We have to address that.

"It's been spoken about already but we have to address it again apparently. Monday will be a big one for it because Wednesday will be a very difficult game.

"Not only because of the atmosphere, but it's against a Roberto De Zerbi team who make it very difficult for you."

Slot, meanwhile, said he understood the fans' frustrations considering the nature of the result, which saw Liverpool's cushion inside the top four reduce from three points down to one, following Manchester United's win over Manchester City earlier in the day.

"I completely understand the frustration," Slot said. "I can tell you I have the same and the players definitely have the same frustration as the fans have."