Image Credits: Imago Images
Arne Slot has confirmed that he expects to continue as Liverpool manager next season.
Since Liverpool’s title defence crumbled and the Reds found themselves scrambling for a top-five finish – despite spending in excess of £450 million in the summer – the knives have been out for Arne Slot. Pundits, journalists and a divided fanbase have spent months debating whether the Dutchman would still be in the dugout at Anfield come August.
The links to Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement have not helped the situation, and plenty of questions have been aimed on whether last season’s title win was enough credit in the bank to survive such a dramatic drop-off.
But now speaking in his pre-Aston Villa press conference, Slot has admitted he feels he will be in charge next season:
“I don’t think I decide that alone [if he will be Liverpool coach]. I am contracted to this club, all the talks we have, so yeah, that is my take on it. If you don’t have the best season, compared to last, definitely not been great then it is normal criticism comes and we have all had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”
“I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season.”
“The plans for next season have been made, talks ongoing between the club and new players and I am involved in that.”
It then matches widespread reports that FSG are expected to stick with Arne Slot past this season.
What is clear is that Slot himself has not been sitting around waiting for FSG to make their minds up.
His comments about being involved in transfer talks and planning for next season suggest a manager who is very much in the mindset of building, not leaving, and that is exactly the kind of energy Liverpool need heading into what promises to be another important summer.