Liverpool's victory over local rivals Everton appears to have placed them in pole position for Champions League qualification, while easing the burden on Arne Slot. The dramatic late victory, sealed by a 100th-minute Virgil van Dijk header, has afforded the Reds some much-needed distance from their nearest challengers.
The 2-1 result has shifted the mood surrounding the club as Slot's side prepare to maintain their momentum against Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday. Yet, with such a frustrating campaign following substantial investment last summer on multiple new signings, doubts persist regarding the Liverpool manager's tenure.
Today's developments see club legend Jamie Carragher disclose what he has learnt about Slot's situation. Meanwhile, another Liverpool great has been suggested as a potential future manager at the club.
Former Reds defender Carragher is convinced that Slot will continue in his role at Anfield this summer, assuming they clinch Champions League qualification for the forthcoming season. The Reds currently occupy fifth place, the final qualifying berth for next season's tournament, with Chelsea sitting directly below them.
Securing a top-five finish could protect Slot's position past this summer despite a dismal Premier League title defence. Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "Arne Slot's job has been spoken about all season. We've spoken about it a lot on Monday Night Football.
"There's probably a split in the Liverpool supporters over whether he should stay or go. But the noises I am hearing is Slot will be the Liverpool manager next season if they can secure Champions League qualification, which they look like doing right now."
Carragher also emphasised the significance of Liverpool's derby triumph, particularly following Chelsea's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United the previous evening. The Reds need just nine more points from their final five Premier League matches to guarantee a top-five finish, irrespective of what Chelsea or any other club beneath them can produce.
Former Liverpool forward Fernando Torres has been surprisingly touted to return to Anfield in a managerial capacity. The 42-year-old enjoyed a legendary spell at the club, netting 81 goals in 142 outings before completing a £50million move to Chelsea in 2011.
The ex-Spanish international has pursued a coaching career, overseeing both Atletico Madrid's under-19 and B team sides since retiring from playing in 2019.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Athletic Club striker Fernando Llorente has backed the prospect of Torres taking the Anfield reins at some point in the future. Speaking to Hajper, he said: "Fernando Torres as Liverpool manager one day? Definitely.
"He's taken a different path to Cesc Fabregas [at Serie A side Como] he has been patient and has preferred to start little by little with the youth team, gaining experience. I think Fernando will become a great coach because he had an incredible career, knows a lot about football and has surely been preparing for the right moment to make the jump."
Former Atletico manager Armando de la Morena was similarly glowing in his assessment of the ex-forward. Speaking to Marca, he said: "A coach like Fernando, knowing his career a bit, as a player and always with the respect that he has acted, has the conditions to be a great coach."
In 2024, Torres was afforded the chance to shadow Jurgen Klopp throughout his final campaign at Liverpool. However, Atletico officials grew concerned the arrangement might evolve into a permanent move and stepped in by presenting him with a new role.
It appears improbable that Torres will take charge at Liverpool in the immediate future. Yet his name being mentioned should Slot depart the club, alongside figures such as Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso, demonstrates the Reds' former generation of stars are forging encouraging careers in management.
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