Being FSG: Arne Slot sacked & Steven Gerrard takes interim Liverpool role for business end of season…

FSG Update: Arne Slot dismissed & Steven Gerrard appointed interim manager for Liverpool as season reaches critical phase

Arne Slot’s position as head coach of Liverpool is facing intensified scrutiny following the Reds’ draw with Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

This outcome leaves the Merseyside club in fifth place, trailing Aston Villa, where a victory against Igor Tudor’s struggling Spurs would have allowed them to surpass the Villans into fourth place.

With speculation surrounding the legendary former Red Steven Gerrard stepping in as interim manager until the summer, the key question is whether FSG’s leadership will yield to mounting public pressure.

Reports suggest that Steven Gerrard is prepared to take on the role of emergency manager at Liverpool FC for the remainder of the season if the club opts for a change.

The ex-captain of Liverpool is reportedly willing to set aside his current commitments to assist his childhood club, should the chance present itself during this pivotal moment in the season.

Gerrard has previously managed Liverpool’s academy and has also coached Rangers F.C. and Aston Villa F.C., maintaining a strong connection with the club where he spent the majority of his playing days.

Liverpool’s performance under Arne Slot has been disappointing.

Following the weekend’s draw, Slot’s chances of being the next Premier League manager to be dismissed have increased, with his odds now at 11/4, making him the third most likely manager to lose his job, behind Oliver Glasner and Scott Parker.

Manager Sacking Odds:

Scott Parker (Burnley) 6/4

Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace) 6/4

Arne Slot (Liverpool) 11/4

Despite this, we at Empire of the Kop still believe – based on FSG’s historical actions – that the Dutchman will keep his job until at least the summer, although the outlook is grim.

A study conducted by BBC Sport’s Emlyn Begley revealed that Liverpool could have amassed as many as 60 points at this juncture had they not conceded late goals after the 90-minute mark against eight league rivals.

This would have placed us one point behind Manchester City in second place and ten points behind leaders Arsenal, with a game still to play.

Could FSG dismiss Slot and bring in Steven Gerrard?

If FSG’s decision-makers choose the drastic step of terminating Arne Slot’s contract, it is highly improbable that their preferred managerial candidate (likely Xabi Alonso) would be available this late in the 2025/26 season.

It is much more probable that an interim manager will be appointed to lead us to the season’s conclusion, ideally one who can secure Champions League qualification.

Steven Gerrard’s name has often been mentioned as a possible candidate should we decide to change our management.

While we typically oppose the dismissal of Liverpool managers except in the most extreme situations, there is a certain cold logic to this option that might be appealing.

Is Michael Carrick’s points record a justification for this?

Examining Michael Carrick’s points total at Manchester United, one could understand why some fans might advocate for a change at the helm – or at least believe it could enhance our situation until the summer.

However, this seems to be a somewhat simplistic narrative. As Mo Stewart from The Anfield Wrap correctly notes on X (formerly Twitter), the Manchester United manager has had the advantage of more time to train his players between matches.

To begin with – we need to set up differently. This entails different tactics and instructions. Additionally, there should be an enhancement in fitness levels. Currently, we are exhausted by the 60th minute. A new manager and staff would implement their own fitness and coaching drills, leading to noticeable changes.

When matches are played every three days, how much time does a coach actually have on the training ground with the players? Not enough to quickly assimilate a new set of instructions. It’s no coincidence that Carrick has excelled as a new manager with only one game per week to manage.

— Mo Stewart

If Gerrard, or any other candidate, were to be appointed, they would not enjoy the same advantage.

Certainly, there is merit to the legendary new manager bounce in the immediate term. However, none of this appears to be a certain solution.