Arne Slot says Liverpool just needs to get to the summer, when it can sign from new players and put in the work on the training field — that period can't come soon enough
04:00, 16 May 2026
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
At the end of the game, in celebration, Aston Villa’s PA system blared out the Champions League anthem. This was, of course, a fixture in which a win would be a guarantee of a top-five spot for either of the two teams involved.
In truth, however, only one of them looked likely to get the points they required. Liverpool was level for a short spell, but it was Unai Emery’s men who attempted to press home their advantage. There was only ever going to be one winner.
Liverpool was missing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah were only able to come off the bench. But, in Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa’s threat was clearly the largest, at least in no small part due to the lack of resistance as it cut through its opponent with ease.
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Once again, a fairly even first half was preceded by a second-half Liverpool collapse. Only Virgil van Dijk’s brace prevented a truly embarrassing scoreline.
Rogers’ goal was the 22nd time this season that Liverpool has conceded first; the Reds have gone on to win just twice in that period. In addition to the obvious lethargy, there is a lack of ability to react to adversity.
"It's frustrating because, as a manager, if things are happening time and time again, you are hired to ensure that doesn't happen the next time," Slot said.
All of what unfolded was fairly predictable, though. Indeed, Slot admitted earlier in the week that fan opinion wouldn’t turn around until the end of the season.
He remains confident that the situation can swing back again, but this was a reminder of how far there is to go.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MAY 15: Arne Slot, head coach of Liverpool, looks dejected after the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Liverpool at Villa Park on May 15, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arne Slot faced more questions over his future after Liverpool's defeat to Aston Villa(Image: Getty Images)
Fresh attacking impetus will arrive in the summer window, and that will go a long way. Having it now would solve the issue of being overly reliant on Rio Ngumoha, who did his best, and might even help defensively too.
More speed would be most useful in attack, but more energy is required to tighten things up at the back as well.
In midfield, Liverpool was too passive. Alexis Mac Allister showed most fight when the ball was dead and he was busy grappling in the penalty area (only after rolling around on the floor for a while).
It was Ryan Gravenberch who was hooked first, but it could easily have been the Argentine, and Dominik Szoboszlai slipping (and Curtis Jones struggling out on the right wing) summed up the entire midfield’s night.
There was one positive: that the season is almost over. There is just one more game to go: Brentford at Anfield.
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As long as Liverpool can get over the line in terms of the top five, there can be a reset and a wiping of these dismal showings from the mind.
The near-empty away section at Villa Park painted a picture, however. So too did the loud chants of "You're getting sacked in the morning", gleefully aimed at Slot from the home end.
With a top-five place a must, there is work remaining. Even next season, and even if Champions League soccer is secured, the dire nature of many of the defeats this term will not be easy to forget.
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For those wanting a change in head coach, not only does that not seem to be forthcoming, but it wouldn't fix the many ills. Only a change in players will do that — with the summer thankfully drawing closer.