Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking about his future in more depth after making clear before facing Aston Villa that he will remain with the Premier League side next season
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Writer and Matt Addison Liverpool FC Reporter
22:35, 14 May 2026Updated 22:52, 14 May 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during a press conference.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot during a press conference.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Arne Slot has insisted that he has never considered stepping away from Liverpool despite the intense criticism he has received this season amid a tough title defense at Anfield.
Still requiring another three points to confirm qualification for the Champions League, the Reds have endured an underwhelming 12 months, with the need for more changes clear when the summer arrives.
Online, the criticism of Slot has been particularly fierce in some quarters, despite the obvious mitigations for the team's struggles, while there have been boos inside Anfield at times too, including last weekend during and after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea.
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"I have always wanted to carry on," Slot said, via the Liverpool ECHO.
"I have never once thought what you are suggesting because, as I have said many times, I think this club is in a much better place next season than this season because of what I have already said 150 times.
"Even this season, there was a lot to play for. Two months ago, we lost to Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, and that was the first time we were not able to win anything anymore. But we can still ‘win’ qualification for the Champions League.
"It is the first time in my career that I am not in the end playing for a trophy. Only once I didn’t win something, so now it is going to be the second year.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
"That is going to be a bit new. But until two months ago, we were still fighting for things. So, no, not once did that (walking away) go through my mind."
Some have pointed to Liverpool's tactical set-up as a reason for the team struggling to perform. Others would point out that the Reds have been unfortunate with injuries and hampered by a squad that still needs significant strengthening.
"I am 47, so I am not 12 anymore," Slot continued. "I have been playing professional football since I was 16, maybe not at the level I am at here now, but I am used to the fact that people sometimes think you are a very good football player and sometimes don’t like you so much.
"It is the same as a manager. If you are in this job, then you don’t usually start your career at a club like this; you have a lead-up to that. So we are all so used to positive and negative criticism that if you are not able to handle that, you will never end up at a club like this.
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"I think that is also one of the things I have learned this season that I can handle criticism quite well. I don’t act differently. I can have a clear mind and do the things I want to do.
"I don’t know how I have to say this in English perfectly but there is no reason to think that it is not going to be the situation (him staying at Liverpool next season).
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"It is all about you guys who are talking about this and probably social media even more. It is not something I am talking about every day. I am talking about Aston Villa.
"For me, nothing has changed. What has changed is the results. My relationship with the people I speak to every single day has not changed a single bit. I don’t know how I have to describe it in the perfect way."