The Red Room: “Slot is ruthless but pressure is shaping his man management” | OneFootball

Liverpool Unease Beneath the Unbeaten Run

Liverpool’s current unbeaten stretch under Arne Slot formed the backbone of a wide ranging and revealing discussion on The Red Room podcast, hosted by Grizz, with contributors Mike, Lewis and debutant Darren offering frank assessments of performances, pressure and the growing Xabi Alonso noise.

Lewis set the tone early, framing the run with caution rather than celebration. “It’s great that we’ve managed to turn form round in the sense of we’re actually picking up results,” he said, before adding crucial context. “We’ve scraped the win against Wolves… drew three times to newly promoted teams… and I’m still yet to see a convincing win.” That sense of guarded optimism ran throughout the podcast, reflecting a fanbase caught between results and expectations.

Arne Slot and the Results Versus Performances Debate

Mike was clear that context matters when judging Arne Slot’s Liverpool. “I’m not happy with it,” he admitted, “but at the end of the day, it’s a results business.” He stressed that an 11 game unbeaten run would have been accepted “if a new manager comes in” after a losing streak, even if Slot himself should not receive unlimited grace.

Lewis, however, returned repeatedly to performance levels. “For the first time in a long time we look scared to take risk,” he warned, adding, “that’s not something that I associate with Liverpool going forward.” The Arsenal draw was highlighted as a high point, with Lewis calling it “the best we played in this 11 game unbeaten run,” but even that came with the caveat that Liverpool were “grateful” for the point rather than dominant.

Mike pushed back on panic, particularly around Slot’s comments and demeanour. “He’s a Dutch individual, he’s just being honest,” he said, referencing Slot’s interviews. “This happens when you are champions. It just is what it is.”

Man Management and Squad Trust

Darren’s contribution focused on Arne Slot’s man management, a growing talking point. He recalled the opening day decision against Ipswich last season, saying, “I remember the feeling then, wow, this guy’s ruthless.” While that decisiveness was initially accepted, Darren questioned whether certain players had been frozen out. “I do feel Rio and Trey potentially could have been given more minutes,” he said, while noting Slot himself admitted feeling “sorry for Trey Nyoni.”

The handling of Federico Chiesa was discussed at length. Mike was blunt, saying, “I think Slot now probably feels vindicated in his treatment of Chiesa,” adding that while he liked the player, “I don’t think he’s done anything brilliant.” Darren described the situation as feeling “a bit scapegoaty” at times, particularly when players were introduced out of position.

Despite criticisms, Darren acknowledged the pressure Slot operates under. “He’s also a manager under pressure,” he said, “and I think that definitely plays a role in it.”

Xabi Alonso, Pressure and the Liverpool Future

The conversation inevitably turned to Xabi Alonso, especially following his dismissal at Real Madrid. Lewis was firm that wanting Liverpool to lose to accelerate change was unacceptable. “If you’re spinning that narrative, support someone else,” he said. “You do not wish for us to lose.”

Mike delivered perhaps the strongest scepticism, despite his affection for the former Liverpool midfielder. “I love Xabi Alonso,” he said, “I just wouldn’t want that to happen for his legacy.” He argued Alonso went to Madrid “too soon” and questioned whether his setup was suited to breaking down low blocks, a problem Liverpool already face.

Darren took a more open stance. “I wouldn’t say no to him if he came,” he admitted, while also cautioning against immediate change. “I wouldn’t want to sack Slot this weekend and then bring in Xabi next week.”

Ultimately, the podcast landed on uncertainty rather than absolutes. When asked who would be in the dugout next season, answers varied, reflecting Liverpool’s current tension. What was clear throughout The Red Room was a shared desire not just for points, but for enjoyment, belief and identity, all things Liverpool supporters expect, regardless of whether Arne Slot or Xabi Alonso leads the way.