Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant has launched a fierce attack on Arne Slot following Liverpool’s disappointing end to the Premier League season, with the ex-Reds player insisting the Dutch manager should be sacked after what he described as a “horrendous” campaign.

Liverpool’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Brentford at Anfield on the final day of the season appeared to push Pennant over the edge, with the former England international claiming the result should serve as “the nail in the coffin” for Slot’s reign at the club.

The Merseyside giants entered the season under enormous expectations after winning the Premier League title comfortably during Slot’s debut campaign the previous year. Supporters believed the club had finally found the perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp, especially after Slot guided Liverpool to domestic glory while implementing an exciting attacking style of football.

However, optimism surrounding the Dutchman has rapidly faded over the course of a deeply underwhelming second season that has left Liverpool fans frustrated, confused, and increasingly concerned about the direction of the club.

Despite receiving significant backing from the club’s owners last summer, with Liverpool reportedly spending more than £400 million on new signings, performances throughout the campaign frequently failed to match expectations.

The draw against Brentford perfectly summed up Liverpool’s struggles. Although the Reds dominated possession for large spells at Anfield, they once again looked vulnerable defensively and lacked the cutting edge needed to consistently break down organized opposition.

Supporters inside the stadium grew increasingly restless as another flat performance unfolded, with groans echoing around Anfield after misplaced passes, defensive mistakes, and missed opportunities. By full-time, many fans appeared more relieved that the season was finally over than hopeful about the future.

The disappointing result meant Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League table, missing out on the title race entirely after entering the campaign among the favorites. For a club of Liverpool’s stature and ambition, the drop from champions to fifth place has been viewed by many as unacceptable.

Pennant certainly did not hold back in expressing his frustration after the final whistle. Taking to social media shortly after the match, the former winger delivered a furious assessment of Slot’s management and questioned whether Liverpool’s hierarchy could seriously continue supporting the Dutchman.

“The board cannot sit there watching this garbage and still believe this manager can compete for trophies next season,” Pennant wrote. “Hanging on against Brentford at Anfield says everything about where this team is right now. This should be the nail in the coffin.”

The ex-Liverpool player went even further in a follow-up message aimed directly at Fenway Sports Group, urging the club’s owners to act before the situation deteriorates even more.

He highlighted Liverpool’s disastrous record against top opposition during the campaign, pointing out that the Reds managed to win only three matches out of 18 against teams that finished in the top nine positions.

“Please look at the facts,” Pennant added. “Against the top nine teams home and away, Liverpool won just three games. Three. That tells you everything you need to know. Do the right thing for this club and for these players because what we’re all watching is horrendous.”

Pennant’s comments immediately sparked major debate among Liverpool supporters online. While some fans agreed with his criticism and questioned Slot’s tactical decisions throughout the season, others argued that calls for the manager’s dismissal were premature given the injuries and transition period the club has experienced.

Liverpool’s campaign was undeniably disrupted by fitness problems to several key players. Important figures within the squad missed significant periods of the season, forcing Slot to constantly reshuffle his starting lineup and limiting the consistency that had defined Liverpool during their title-winning season.

Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Trent Alexander-Arnold all spent spells sidelined during crucial parts of the campaign, while several summer signings struggled to adapt quickly to Slot’s demanding tactical system.

Nevertheless, critics argue that injuries alone cannot explain the dramatic decline in performance levels. Throughout the season, Liverpool repeatedly displayed the same structural weaknesses, particularly against stronger opposition.

Defensively, the team often looked vulnerable in transition, while midfield balance remained a persistent issue. Going forward, Liverpool’s attack frequently appeared predictable and lacked the intensity and fluidity supporters had become accustomed to under Klopp and during Slot’s first season.

A fast and promising start initially masked many of those problems. Liverpool opened the campaign strongly and briefly looked capable of defending their Premier League crown. However, as the season progressed, performances became increasingly inconsistent.

Heavy defeats against direct rivals raised further alarm bells, while disappointing draws against lower-table sides repeatedly damaged Liverpool’s hopes of remaining competitive in the title race.

Sources close to the dressing room have reportedly suggested that confidence among players gradually declined as results worsened. Several senior players were said to be frustrated by tactical confusion and constant experimentation with formations during the second half of the season.

Questions have also been raised about recruitment strategy despite the enormous transfer spending. While Liverpool invested heavily in new players, not all arrivals successfully settled into the squad.

Some supporters feel the club focused too much on potential rather than proven quality, leaving the squad lacking the leadership and reliability needed to compete consistently across multiple competitions.

The emotional end to Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool career added another layer of sadness to the season’s conclusion. The Egyptian superstar was seen in tears following the Brentford match amid growing expectations that he has played his final game for the club.

Salah’s likely departure marks the end of an era for Liverpool and increases pressure on the club’s leadership to make the correct decisions moving forward. Many fans now fear the team could face a difficult rebuilding process if major improvements are not made during the summer.

Meanwhile, pressure on Slot continues to intensify. Although some within the club hierarchy reportedly remain supportive of the manager, there is growing acknowledgment that next season could define his future at Anfield.

The Dutchman himself attempted to remain calm after the Brentford draw, insisting Liverpool still possess the quality needed to challenge for trophies again. Slot pointed to injuries and adaptation issues as major factors behind the disappointing campaign but admitted performances had fallen below the standards expected at Liverpool Football Club.

“We know this season has not been good enough,” Slot admitted after the match. “We must take responsibility for that. There are many areas where we need to improve, and everyone at the club understands the expectations.”

Despite his public determination, uncertainty surrounding his future is becoming impossible to ignore. Fans remain divided, pundits are increasingly critical, and former players like Pennant are openly calling for drastic action.

Liverpool’s ownership group now faces a difficult decision. Dismissing a manager only one year removed from winning the Premier League would be an extraordinary move, particularly after such heavy financial backing. However, sticking with Slot carries risks as well if performances fail to improve quickly next season.

For many supporters, the concern is not simply where Liverpool finished in the table, but how far the team appeared from competing with Europe’s elite throughout the campaign. The intensity, identity, and confidence that once defined Liverpool seemed to disappear for long stretches of the season.

As frustration grows both inside and outside Anfield, the summer ahead could prove one of the most important periods in the club’s modern history. Recruitment decisions, contract situations, and the future of the manager will all shape whether Liverpool can quickly recover or risk slipping further behind their rivals.

For now, though, the mood surrounding the club remains tense. What was supposed to be another season of dominance instead ended with anger, disappointment, and growing uncertainty about what comes next for Arne Slot and Liverpool Football Club.