The Athletic FC Podcast Ask Ornstein: Is Slot's job safe?
10 snips
Jan 27, 2026 
David Ornstein, senior football correspondent known for transfer-market scoops. James Pearce, Liverpool reporter with on-the-ground insight. Tim Spiers, football journalist who adds stats and tactical context. They debate Liverpool’s recruitment failures, injury and depth issues, Van Dijk and Salah form, Arne Slot’s standing, FSG’s long-term plans and summer transfer targets.
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Established Stars, Not Just New Signings, Are Fading
- Key Liverpool stars who were influential last season have dropped form and that decline matters more than the new signings.
- James Pearce and others point to Salah, Gravenberch, Gakpo and Canaté as underperforming contributors.
Salah's Form And Confidence Have Fallen
- Mo Salah's output and team integration have dipped post-AFCON and after contract discussions, affecting team dynamics.
- Tim Spiers notes fatigue, changing attacking partners and possible confidence issues as causes.
Don't Lean On Fixture Congestion Publicly
- Avoid publicly leaning on fixture congestion as the main excuse for poor results and focus on squad rotation solutions.
- Tim Spiers recommends clearer rotation and less defensive public messaging from the manager.