Arne Slott made it clear in his final message to Reds supporters that he will continue to manage Liverpool next season. It was a taxing campaign for the Merseyside giants, who fell well short of defending their Premier League title. In the end, they secured a place in next season’s Champions League with a draw with Brentford, and were forced to settle for a fifth-place finish.
Liverpool’s disappointing results have left Slott at risk of being sacked during the summer break unless he turns things around. Andoni Iraola has already been named as a possible successor should the Dutchman be sacked. However, Slott hinted in his program notes against Brentford that he is not going anywhere.
He wrote: “This is a chance to get something tangible out of the season. First and foremost, it will enable the club to qualify for the Champions League for the third consecutive season.”
“This is where we want to be, but it’s also where we need to be given the opportunities that the model and qualifications that we have bring us.”
Slott, who insists he is already working on transfer targets for the summer window, added: “I couldn’t be more conscious of what European football, and in particular the Champions League, means to our supporters.”
“So taking that final step is not just something we want to take for ourselves. We also want to do it for you and with you.”
“The highest standards have always been set for us and by us at Liverpool and not reaching them should increase everyone’s desire for what comes next.”
Slott’s message was accompanied by a more poignant message from Virgil van Dijk, who spoke about the impact of Diogo Jota’s death before the start of the season.
The forward died in a car crash along with his brother Andre, and a permanent memorial will be erected at Anfield in the not-too-distant future.
“Even away from football, it has been a very difficult season considering what happened last summer,” Van Dijk told supporters in his message.
“I would like to take this opportunity to say that the support that everyone at the club, the players, the staff and of course the supporters have given Diogo, Andre and his family throughout this campaign has been fantastic.
“We know that will continue. There will soon be a permanent memorial service for both Diogo and Andre at Anfield. Their achievements will never be forgotten.”
