Arne Slot has said he has "every reason to believe" he will remain Liverpool's head coach next season and get the opportunity to rectify this campaign's decline. The Dutch coach addressed speculation about his future after Liverpool were booed off at Anfield following a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, which marked another underwhelming performance.
Slot's Confidence in His Position
Speaking ahead of Friday's crucial match against Aston Villa, Slot stated: "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." He acknowledged that this season has not met expectations, especially compared to his title-winning debut campaign, but emphasized that internal support remains strong.
Slot added: "If you don't have the best season, especially if you compare 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. We have all had our share, and with 'all' I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don't win the league."
Planning for the Future
The Liverpool boss confirmed his involvement in planning for next season, including pre-season tours and transfer discussions. "We know where we go on tour, our plans have been made, and talks have been ongoing between the club and new players and I am involved in that," he said.
Slot also reflected on the modern scrutiny managers face: "If a manager or a club doesn't have their best season there is always a debate about that – it is not only Liverpool it is all around the world. 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 this modern time everyone can share his opinion as well."
He humorously compared today's criticism to the past: "By the way, this happened 10, 15 years ago as well but then you did it in a pub and not everyone heard it. Now it is also probably done in the pub – if I read what they are saying they must have drunk a little bit! That is a joke, by the way. Now it is more out in the open than it was back in the days, and that is everywhere the same so I would be surprised if that had been different here at Liverpool."
Liverpool currently sit in third place and can secure Champions League qualification with a win against Aston Villa on Friday.
