Arne Slott has directly addressed speculation over his future at Anfield, believing he will remain as Liverpool manager next season. Slott has come under intense scrutiny following the Reds’ very disappointing defense of the Premier League title they convincingly won last season.
Liverpool are yet to qualify for the Champions League and need three points from their remaining two games – away to Aston Villa on Friday and at home to Brentford on the final weekend. Former Reds midfielder Xabi Alonso has been in charge of the Bernabéu for just six months and has been heavily linked with a move to become Liverpool manager ever since he was sacked by Real Madrid in January. And former midfielder Danny Murphy this week declared the days of the slot are over.
He said: “I think Slott’s time is probably over. I think he’s a good guy and a very intelligent manager, but the reality is that Liverpool’s fan base is as strong as any other fan base, for all sorts of reasons. I think we’re looking at the inevitable departure, whether it’s now or within the first few months of the season.”
But Slott is preparing for next season with full expectations of retaining his position. “I don’t think I’m making that decision alone, but I have every reason to believe that I will be the manager of Liverpool next season,” the Dutchman vowed.
“First of all, I am contracted to this club and secondly, from the outcome of the negotiations that we are having, that is my view. But if it hasn’t been the best season, especially if you compare it to last season, compared to other seasons, there may be a different argument, but if you compare it to last season, it definitely hasn’t been a great season and it’s natural that there will be criticism.”
“We all have our share. By ‘everyone’ I mean the players have their share, the manager has his share and the rest of the club have their share too. If we don’t win the league, this is how things go now.”
Slott added: “I think the way the world is now, if a manager or a club hasn’t had their best season, there’s always going to be a debate about that. It’s not just happening at Liverpool, it’s happening all over the world.”
“This is the new reality in football. It’s not up to me to criticize those who criticize me. They have the right to their opinion and in this day and age everyone can share their opinion.
“By the way, this happened 10 or 15 years ago too, but back then they did it in a pub and no one heard it. It’s probably still done in pubs now. Reading what they were saying, they must have gotten a little drunk!”
“It’s more open now than it used to be and it’s the same everywhere, so I would be surprised if it was different here at Liverpool.”
Slott also revealed that he is already involved in discussions with potential new signings ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
“We know where we are going on the tour so plans are being made and negotiations are ongoing between the club and the new players and I am involved in that,” he said.
