Emile Heskey expects Arne Slot to remain as Liverpool manager next season despite inconsistency, but warns the Reds must avoid prioritizing European competition over Premier League form
Paul Gorst Liverpool FC correspondent
10:20, 22 Feb 2026
Emile Heskey has offered his opinion
Emile Heskey has offered his opinion(Image: Getty Images)
Emile Heskey says he anticipates Arne Slot will continue as Liverpool's head coach at the beginning of next season.
However, the former Reds forward has emphasized the significance of Champions League qualification as the team approaches the final dozen games of the campaign, beginning with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
The Reds are sixth in the Premier League table, three points behind Chelsea in fourth and Manchester United in fifth. Liverpool has played the same number of games as United (26), but Chelsea has played one more. Slot's players have lacked consistency this term, suffering eight defeats thus far, twice as many as they endured last season during their title-winning campaign.
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But Heskey, who netted 22 goals for Gerard Houllier's side as they claimed the UEFA Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup 25 years ago, reckons Slot will stay in post for next term, which will be the third and final year of the contract he signed in the summer of 2024.
"A Champions League spot is a big if for Liverpool and Arne Slot this season," Heskey told OLBG.
"It's a tough one because when you look at what they did last season, to then go and buy all the players they've bought, ideally you'd want everyone to hit the ground running to look fantastic.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is under pressure
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is under pressure(Image: Getty Images)
"We've seen little snippets, but you need consistency and that's one of the things they haven't shown as opposed to what they showed last season.
"But other than these little snippets from certain players, once they get up and running, once they get that consistency going again, then I think Slot can be judged on the job he's doing.
"This season has been a roller coaster, so you can't just judge him on this season, so I'd still expect Slot to be in that hot seat next season."
Heskey, who turned out 223 times for the Reds during his five years on Merseyside, added: "If anything, it's between Liverpool and Newcastle because of the inconsistencies [for Champions League spot].
"I don't think Liverpool have the consistency to really put themselves over the line, but they've still got a chance. If they win the Champions League, they are still in it for next season, so there's that opportunity.
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"We say that, and then we'd still complain! I wouldn't want him to [prioritize the Champions League] to be honest, because you just never know.
"You see it at the end of the season every season people slip up all the time, so if you can get that momentum in the league, then you've done everything you can then, haven't you?
"I'd rather they keep pushing in the league than putting all their eggs in that basket in case it might not come off."