Xabi Alonso's departure from Liverpool's radar, while Arne Slott remains in his post, was not how most Reds fans had imagined the manager's situation in the final week of the season.
Liverpool still have work to do to secure a place in next season's Champions League, just a year after winning the Premier League in Sloty's first season at the helm.
The Dutch coach is facing increasing pressure, with his team in fifth place and only one match left to play.
They had the chance to secure qualification for Europe's elite competition by defeating Aston Villa on Friday night.
But Villa dominated and topped the table, securing themselves a Champions League place for the 2026-27 season.
The slot is now seen as "finished" by a large portion of fans, while Mohamed Salah's critical comments after the match have added even more focus on him and his future at Anfield.
"Our collapse to another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool return to 'heavy metal' football, an attacking style that opponents fear and a team that wins trophies. This is the football I know how to play and this is the identity that must be restored and maintained forever," said Salah in a statement on social media, where his form this season can also be seen as reason for more self-criticism, at least while the second objective - qualifying for the Champions League - is still in play.
Speculation about Slot's future is constantly growing, and Salah's recent statements are said to have accelerated this situation.
"Salah's suggestions have prompted great reflection within the club, with senior figures understanding why the Egyptian expressed his frustrations after a very disappointing season," reports TEAMtalk.
"Fenway Sports Group is increasingly concerned not only by Liverpool's results, but also by the general atmosphere around the team and the project ahead of the summer," the report said.
"Although FSG does not directly manage the football operation, directors Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are constantly assessing the situation and discussing different scenarios for the future," the report continues.
With Xabi Alonso off the market, the pressure on the club's hierarchy increases to make the right decision on the next coach.
According to TEAMtalk, Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß is one of the potential targets, along with Germany's Julian Nagelsmann, who will lead the national team at the World Cup next month.
Al-Ahli coach Matthias Jaissle is also a possible German candidate, while departed Bournemouth coach Andoni Iraola remains one of the favourite names of Liverpool's decision-makers./Express newspaper/
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