Arne Slot says he has “every reason to believe” he will remain Liverpool manager next season despite growing scrutiny following a disappointing Premier League title defence.
Liverpool have lost 18 games in all competitions this season and are still fighting to secure Champions League qualification.
Liverpool have endured a difficult campaign under the Dutchman, losing 18 matches in all competitions and still battling to secure Champions League qualification heading into the final weeks of the season.
The Reds travel to Aston Villa on Friday knowing victory would guarantee their place in next season’s Champions League, although pressure surrounding Slot’s future has continued to increase in recent weeks.
That scrutiny intensified further after Liverpool were booed off at Anfield following a frustrating 1-1 draw with Chelsea last weekend.
Arne Slot Addresses Questions Over Liverpool Future
Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Villa Park, Slot was asked directly about speculation surrounding his future at the club.
“I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season.
“First of all, I am contracted to this club, and second of all, from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.”
Slot’s current contract at Liverpool runs until 2027, and the Dutchman also confirmed he remains heavily involved in planning for next season.
“Plans have been made [for next season], and talks have been ongoing between the club and new players, and I am involved in that.”
Liverpool Hierarchy Continue to Back Slot
Despite growing criticism from sections of the fanbase, reports suggest Liverpool’s hierarchy still support Slot and believe he deserves further time to rebuild the squad.
The former Feyenoord manager acknowledged the criticism surrounding both his team’s performances and results this season.
“But if you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season – if you compare it with other seasons, you might have a different debate – then this has definitely not been a great season, and it is also normal that criticism comes," Slot said.
"We have all had our share, and with ‘all’, I mean the players have had their share, the manager, and other people in the club. That is how things work nowadays if you do not win the league.”
Liverpool’s inconsistent performances and less convincing style of football have become major talking points throughout the campaign, particularly after the standards set during previous seasons.
Xabi Alonso Speculation Has Increased Pressure
Debate around Slot’s future has intensified in recent weeks, with Xabi Alonso’s availability adding to speculation over Liverpool’s next move.
Slot, however, appeared calm when discussing the modern realities of football management.
“If a manager or a club doesn’t have their best season, there is always a debate – that is the new reality in football.
“It is not up to me to judge the people who judge me. They have every right to have their opinion, and in these modern times, everyone can share their opinion as well.”
Major Summer Rebuild Could Define Liverpool Future
Criticism has centred not only on Liverpool’s results but also on their uninspiring, less convincing style of football, which has failed to capture and excite the fanbase in comparison to last season.
The 47-year-old clearly expects to be given the opportunity to make things right next season and restore the hope he appears to have lost among the fan base. However, his position is likely to remain under scrutiny if performances do not improve.
Slot still has money in the bank with the hierarchy and fans after winning the Premier League title in his debut season. However, losing Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson will have a bearing on his team's experience and quality.
He faces a real battle to not only bring in exceptional replacements but also get his recent signings to fire in order to rebuild confidence among sections of the fanbase.
