Questions have surrounded the future of Liverpool in recent months after the club’s disappointing Premier League title defence.
The pressure increased further as criticism grew around performances, results and the club’s collapse in the second half of the campaign.
Now the man at the centre of that scrutiny has publicly addressed the situation himself. Arne Slot has insisted he fully expects to remain Liverpool manager next season.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s trip to Aston Villa, Slot admitted the season has fallen below expectations but said he still believes he will stay in charge at Anfield. He said (via The Guardian):
“I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season. First of all, I am contracted to this club.”
The Dutchman also acknowledged criticism aimed at the team throughout the season following Liverpool’s failure to defend the Premier League title. Slot added:
“If you don’t have the best season, criticism comes. That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”
Liverpool currently sit inside the top five but failed to seriously challenge during the closing months of the campaign.
Attention is now beginning to shift towards the summer and what changes could arrive at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah could return to the squad against Aston Villa after recent injury problems disrupted the final weeks of his Liverpool career.
The Egyptian forward is set to leave the club this summer and could make his final appearance at Anfield against Brentford next weekend.
Slot admitted Salah is only ready for limited minutes after recovering from a hamstring issue. Liverpool also continue monitoring several fitness concerns ahead of the Villa clash.
Alisson Becker remains a doubt, while Florian Wirtz has been recovering from illness. Ibrahima Konate, however, could be available despite limping off during Liverpool’s previous match.
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