'Liverpool doesn't typically sack managers but Arne Slot could go if he fails key test'

The Dutchman's position at Anfield is looking increasingly perilous, and one ex-Red, speaking to Liverpool.com, feels the club's owners might be forced into action

Jermaine Pennant believes Liverpool could sack Arne Slot if he fails to qualify for the Champions League(Image: Getty Images)

Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant believes Arne Slot will retain his job as Liverpool head coach if he secures a Champions League finish.

The Reds lost ground again in the race for the top five this weekend, with Manchester United drawing at Bournemouth and Aston Villa beating West Ham, as Liverpool lost to Brighton.

That result leaves the Reds in fifth place heading into the international break, a point clear of Chelsea, who was beaten 3-0 at Everton on Saturday. That result has seen the Toffees sneak into the race for a Champions League place, and along with Brentford, they sit three points behind Liverpool.

The Reds play both sides, plus United, Chelsea and Villa in the final seven matches of the campaign, and ensuring they will feature in Europe’s premier competition is key for Slot, claimed Pennant.

“It’s been a tough title defence for sure. It’s not what we expected, coming off the back of an excellent all-round season as champions, and with investment in the team as well,” Pennant told Liverpool.com, via Gambling.com.

“There are plenty of reasons why Liverpool haven’t been able to replicate this. On Arne Slot, ultimately, the buck stops with him and if Liverpool secure Champions League football, then I think he will stay.

Slot's position as Liverpool coach is under threat

“Liverpool aren’t a team that wants to sack managers, but if Liverpool were to miss out on the top five, which it looks like will be enough for Champions League, then his time may be up. But I hope that Liverpool can push on now and secure Champions League football.”

The Reds return from the international break with an FA Cup clash against Manchester City before the Champions League double header against Paris Saint-Germain. In between the PSG matches, the Reds host Fulham.

Slot is facing renewed criticism following Saturday’s loss at the Amex, and Steven Gerrard was among those to voice his displeasure at the nature of the Reds’ weak performance, which came just days after the impressive win over Galatasaray.

Gerrard was critical of Liverpool's display at Brighton

“We have seen it quite a few times this season now where they put a lot of effort, perform really well on the Champions League stage,” the former Liverpool skipper said on TNT Sports.

“And all the emotion and all the energy and the intensity you have to put in those games to win or get a result, it's having a big effect on them at the weekend.

“They haven't got the options in the squad or on the bench to really make numerous changes to bring that energy or quality into the team to perform at the same level they do in midweek.

“He [Slot] had to play a lot of the same players today, he made a couple of changes that were forced on him.

“But the manager wants to keep the change, rather than make changes for energy and it backfired today.”