Liverpool were champions last season in Arne Slott’s first year in charge, but have slumped in form in his second season and the Dutchman is ready to be recognized now.
Arne Slott forgets last year’s achievements (Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool manager Arne Slott admitted it was only fair to ignore last season’s achievements and judge the Reds manager purely on this season.
The Dutchman had the unenviable task of replacing Jurgen Klopp in 2024, but delivered the Premier League title on his first try. Things are different this season, with the Merseyside side likely to miss out on Champions League qualification despite breaking the English transfer record twice.
Despite a strong start, they have fared well and their problems are well documented. After losing to Bournemouth in the previous round, they have gone winless in five league games and are languishing in 6th place.
Any hopes of retaining his title are now gone, and despite previously referring to last season’s performance, Slott confessed he would be happy to be judged on whatever happens in the coming months.
“If you’re a manager who hasn’t won enough games, that’s something you have to accept. I don’t know if that person is here, but he asked me if things have changed for the manager now.”
read more: Former Liverpool star gets surprise new job at Bundesliga clubread more: Liverpool look to replace Jeremy Frimpong as Arne Slott drops transfer hints
“Maybe things have changed for the manager – even if you win something there’s still room for criticism. We’re in a new season, so that’s normal to some extent, and I was the first to say to the players, ‘We have to forget last season.'” I think it’s fair to judge me on this season rather than last season. ”
Slott has been stirring up some Liverpool fans the wrong way in recent weeks, doing the same in the aftermath of Wednesday’s 6-0 win over Qarabag and the week after he referenced Liverpool’s Europa League quarter-final defeat to Atalanta in April 2024.
Arne Slott won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager, but that will be a distant memory (Image: Getty)
He was trying to make the point that reaching the last 16 of the Champions League was something to be enjoyed and not taken for granted given his past results, but it was seen as an understatement given that he regularly competes in the final stages of Europe’s elite club competition.
Slott is highly supported by the Anfield leadership and they acknowledge some of the challenges he has faced, including integrating a number of new players and dealing with notable injury problems.
That said, even Jamie Carragher has confessed that he would “lack a leg to stand on” if the Liverpool manager misses out on the Champions League.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£49
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
