Arne Slot speaks on speculation around future as Liverpool manager, “every reason to believe”

Liverpool have yet to secure their spot in the Champions League next season, but a win against direct rival Aston Villa on Friday guarantee a top five finish. That would put a patch over what has been a subpar season, but will it save Arne Slot’s job? The Liverpool manager seems quite calm about the place on the touchline at Anfield next year.

“Every reason to believe”

The Reds are preparing for a crucial match against Aston Villa this Friday. The two clubs are tied on points and sitting fourth and fifth respectively in the table. It seemed like a top five finish and Champions League play was locked down weeks ago, but with two match days remaining there is still plenty to be decided.

The winner of Friday’s match at Villa Park will guarantee themselves a top five finish while the other side will have to wait and see what Bournemouth does against Crystal Palace on Saturday. Should Liverpool lose and Bournemouth win, it would all come down to the final weekend to decide who is playing in Champions next year.

Things are getting a bit tense for Arne Slot’s side with 180 minutes left in the season, and with Europe’s top competition still not guaranteed, and the shadow of club legend Xabi Alonso hovering over his shoulder, Slot’s future has still not be sorted. While the media, and the experts seem insistent that Alonso could be appointed the Reds manager, Slot sounds confident that he’s not going anywhere. “I have every reason to believe that I am the Liverpool manager next season,” said Slot in the presser before Friday’s Villa match.

Xabi’s shadow lurking

Last year, the Dutch manager came into an already constructed side and won the Premier League with Jurgen Klopp’s players. It was a fantastic debut for the former Ajax boss, but this year things haven’t exactly gone to plan. They crashed out in the Champions League quarters, and still haven’t locked down a return to the top international competition next year. “First of all, I am contracted to this club, and second of all from all the talks we are having,” assured Slot.

Ever since Xabi Alonso was axed by Real Madrid just six months after being appointed, there have been links of a reunion between the Basque coach and his former club. The Reds season hasn’t done much to extinguish that speculation, and Slot understands that. ”If you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season. Then it is normal that criticism comes, and we’ve all had our share. That is how things work nowadays, if you don’t win the league."

When asked if things have been laid out for next season, Slot told the media, “Plans have been made and talks have been ongoing between the club and new players, and I am involved in that. If that is what you want to know.”

Related stories

Champions League

Isco’s tears hid Champions League record

Real Madrid

PSG opens door to Valverde

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.