‘I’ve got a feeling’ – Ally McCoist gave early verdict on Liverpool’s title run under Arne Slot

Ally McCoist ruled out a Liverpool title challenge in Arne Slot’s maiden season at the helm.

Slot has signed a three-year contract at Liverpool and will officially take over on June 1 after a £9.4m compensation deal was agreed with Feyenoord. He will assume the title of head coach rather than the managerial role that Jurgen Klopp filled.

The German oversaw a title challenge that faded in the latter part as Manchester City and Arsenal took the fight to the final day. The Reds eventually finished nine points behind the eventual champions but gave Klopp the perfect send-off with a 2-0 win over Wolves on the final day of the season.

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And according to popular pundit McCoist, the Reds are unlikely to mount a title challenge in 2024/25 as Slot puts his feet under the table at Anfield. The Scot claimed Liverpool’s youngsters will not be ready for the intensity of the title race with the likes of City and the Gunners.

“I don’t think Liverpool will challenge for the title next season, I just have a gut feeling,” he told talkSPORT on Tuesday. “I’m not sure the younger guys are ready to come in and grab the mantle and go on again. They fell a little short (this season) after a magnificent effort.

“Liverpool went down and there was that midweek defeat at Everton. There were just little signs there that I’m not sure they have the consistency to win the league and challenge at the top next year.”

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Host Jeff Stelling said: “Great team, but whether it’s quite at the level of Arsenal and Manchester City is debatable.”

McCoist added that much will depend on recruitment and whether key men such as Mohamed Salah stay put. He said: “There are question marks over the likes of Salah staying. They might all stay and add to it, you don’t know. Massive club, great support and will no doubt be behind the new manager.”