Could the FA Cup possibly be the final lifeline for Arne Slot at Liverpool amidst Xabi Alonso links?
- Anweshan Ghosh
- 21h
- 5 min read
Arne Slot’s second season, after having an incredible first season with Liverpool winning the Premier League, hasn't gone according to plans. Plenty had expected the Reds to go through a transitional phase after the departure of Jurgen Klopp after nearly a decade. The German did not just leave Liverpool as a manager, but he also left the club, imprinting his philosophy and a heartfelt connection with the fans. Slot had imposed his own ideas in the first season, but the second season has been far from smooth.
The Dutchman would not get the luxury of a longer period for transition, as the club's expectations have exceeded after winning the league last year, and they have also spent a lot to bolster the squad. Replacing Klopp was always going to be a difficult task, as Liverpool’s identity was completely different under him, with a high-pressing, vertical football style. However, Slot has always been a coach who prefers to have positional domination via possession-based football inspired by Pep Guardiola's style of play. The Reds expected him to employ a balanced style of football, adapting to the modern game.
The problem that has happened with the squad is that most of the players are still habituated to Klopp’s style of play and haven't been able to adapt to Slot's style. Last season, however, in most of the games, the Reds had to rely on individual brilliance at times to win games. Their backline was impeccable as well, and in the later half of the season cracks had been found in the Liverpool side. This season has been a complete mess because the old players have succumbed to adapting while the new signings haven't been able to form any sort of chemistry with the former players.
By now it is obvious that the Premier League is out of their reach by now, as now it's a two-horse race between Arsenal and Manchester City. Competing in the league requires total perfection for almost thirty-odd games, and it becomes extremely difficult for teams going through a transitional or a rough phase. The Reds have also been eliminated from the Carabao Cup, which only leaves them alive in the Champions League and the FA Cup. The UCL looks like a far-fetched dream as well because the team certainly isn't ready to compete with the big guns like Paris Saint-Germain or Bayern Munich.
For a team struggling to find rhythm in the league, Arne Slot could aim to win the FA Cup, which will not only secure a spot in European football next season but also get much-needed momentum. Domestic cups have always been career launch pads for managers, also offering a slightly easier route to victory than in European competitions. This stage also gives out-of-form players and bench players an opportunity to get some minutes and get some confidence moving ahead in the long run at the team XI. For Slot, winning the FA Cup could probably save him his seat in the managerial position in Merseyside.
Why is winning the FA Cup a necessity for Liverpool?
For Liverpool, the FA Cup carries a weight for the supporters. The competition is the oldest in English football, and the Reds have lifted it the most times in the history of the competition. Therefore, winning the FA Cup could give the fans at least something to cheer for in a season full of woes, changing the narrative of the season.
This could also be a great stage for Arne Slot to test his tactical adaptability, and in knockout stages of the competition, his structured approach against lower-ranked sides could prove valuable. If the Reds can reach the last four of the competition, it would also give the players a much-needed psychological boost and a belief in the manager's tactical system which could again help them rebuild next season.
Winning the FA Cup will also bridge the gap that has been created between Arne Slot and the fans recently, as a manager is always celebrated for winning titles even if it is something secondary to the league title or the Champions League title. A win at Wembley would reignite the belief in Slot-ball that had ignited last season when the Reds were on a roll.
"Slot's still got a wonderful opportunity to do something special,” said former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy. (sic)
He added, "I know it's unlikely with the way they're playing because they're so inconsistent. He's got to stay positive and try cutting out the noise. There's a lot of questioning of him from fans and journalists – he's got to keep calm.” (sic)
Following the triumph against Wolves in the cup, captain Virgil van Dijk also emphasised the importance of winning the FA Cup and is fully focused on the competition. Ending the season with silverware always provides a nice touch, especially to a season when the team has struggled.
“The FA Cup is very important to us – like always, but especially this season. Hopefully we can keep going,” said the Reds' skipper. (sic)
"To get silverware is always our aim. I've been very privileged to experience so many good nights winning silverware with this beautiful club, and that's all we aim for.” (sic)
In most cases, the first season after winning the league as a manager, they're judged on the basis of where the team finishes in the league. Currently the Reds are 19 points below leaders Arsenal, and it shows the gap between the two teams this season. However, the FA Cup victory will definitely be a huge morale boost for both Liverpool and the Dutchman in charge of the ship.
The new signings will also be able to get their hands on some silverware in their first season itself, which would be a psychological boost for the whole squad and help them prepare for the next season. Danny Murphy also believes that the Dutchman must win the cup to save his job heading into next season
"Two out of the five new signings have done well. Of the players who were there last season, only one or maybe two have played to the level. It's just not enough," he said. (sic)
He added, “All these factors have transpired together for this fallaway that nobody anticipated. All you can do is try to rebuild and fight back and have some success by winning one of the cups. The Champions League is going to be more difficult; this is a realistic competition for Liverpool to win. When you're at the top, even if you have a bad season, for Liverpool you're expected to win something. For Slot, he is really needing something positive to end this season to – I think – keep him in a job. (sic)
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