Arne Slot Expects to Remain Liverpool Boss Amid Pressure From Fans

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he has “every reason to believe” he will still be in charge next season despite growing pressure after a frustrating campaign.

The Reds have struggled to defend the Premier League title they won in Slot’s first season, sitting fourth and 20 points behind leaders Arsenal with only two games left.

Liverpool’s £450 million ($609 million) spending spree last summer has failed to deliver the desired improvement, while injuries and off-field tragedy have complicated the season.

The club was left devastated following the death of Portuguese forward Diogo Jota in a car crash in July.

Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa on Friday, Slot insisted he remains confident about his future.

“I don’t think I am deciding that alone but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season,” Slot said.

“First of all I am contracted to the club and second of all from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.”

Liverpool are still well placed to qualify for the Champions League, holding a four-point lead over sixth-placed Bournemouth as the race for a top-five finish intensifies.

Still, sections of the Anfield crowd have voiced frustration over recent performances and decisions by the Dutch manager.

Supporters booed after Liverpool’s 1-1 draw against Chelsea last weekend, while Slot’s substitution of teenager Rio Ngumoha also drew criticism.

Reflecting on the backlash, Slot said intense scrutiny has become part of modern football.

“I think the world has gone to where if a manager or a club doesn’t have the best season, there is always a debate,” he said.

“That is all around the world, not only at Liverpool. 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.”

Slot previously promised fans a “different team next season” if Liverpool’s transfer plans unfold as expected.

He confirmed he remains heavily involved in discussions over recruitment and preparations for the next campaign.

“We know where we go on tour. Plans have been made and talks have been ongoing with the club for new players and I am involved in that,” he explained.

Former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Slot, though reports suggest the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid coach is now closer to taking over at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah is expected to return in a limited capacity against Aston Villa after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Salah, who is due to leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at the club, had faced fears he might have already played his final game for the Reds.

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