Liverpool AXE key staff member after Virgil van Dijk and Arne Slot air frustrations

Liverpool’s internal spotlight has shifted beyond the pitch after captain Virgil van Dijk and head coach Arne Slot publicly aired their frustrations following a turbulent period at the AXA Training Centre. While results and performances remain the headline issue, attention is now turning to a key behind-the-scenes staff member tasked with steadying the club during a delicate transition.
Sources close to the club point to the importance of Liverpool’s performance and operations leadership, whose role bridges the gap between the coaching staff, medical department and players. With Slot implementing demanding tactical and physical principles, and Van Dijk stressing the need for higher standards and clearer communication, this staff member has become central to restoring alignment at Kirkby.
Van Dijk’s comments hinted at concerns over preparation and consistency, while Slot acknowledged that adaptation pains were inevitable in his early months. Together, their remarks underline growing pressure on the club’s support structure to deliver clarity, fitness stability and day-to-day efficiency.
Liverpool insist there is no crisis, but the coming weeks will be telling. How effectively this key AXA figure responds—by refining training loads, improving dialogue and supporting Slot’s vision—could prove decisive. As the season intensifies, Liverpool’s success may depend not only on star players and touchline tactics, but on the quiet authority of those working just out of view.