Liverpool manager Arne Slott believes he can turn the tide at Anfield after a very disappointing season. The Reds fell far short of the level of command they set during the 2024-25 season when they were crowned Premier League champions.
Slott is under increasing pressure after losing 19 games in all competitions this season, with Liverpool clinching Champions League qualification on the final day of the season. Owner Fenway Sports Group (FSG) chose to protect Slott’s trust despite widespread calls for his removal, narrowly avoiding the catastrophe of missing out on European football’s premier competition.
Despite this, the pressure has not abated and question marks remain over his long-term future. Chelsea’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager closes off one route the Reds might have considered, forcing Slott to look to the summer transfer window to address this season’s shortcomings.
The Telegraph reports that the Dutch manager believes he can rectify the situation and has spoken of the need for Liverpool to bring in at least one winger during the summer to fill the void left by the departed Mohamed Salah. He said: “One of the reasons everyone is talking about wingers is because Mo is leaving.
“It makes perfect sense to think about at least one. I think last season will give us the answer, given how important the winger was to last season’s success.”
“They were essential to winning the league last season because they were scoring goals and providing goals. There’s more focus on wingers in general in football.”
Slott admitted that his team did not bring the same level they achieved during their title-winning campaign, and neither did he. He added: “One of the reasons we were so difficult to play against last season was because we had threats on the right and left.
“It wasn’t just the wingers, it was the combination of wingers and full-backs. If I were to describe the style of play last season, I would describe it as being very reliant on the combination of wingers and full-backs.”
“We tried to do that this season, but we didn’t get the end product we had last season. That doesn’t mean it’s just them. Everyone, myself included, couldn’t bring the same level.”
Additionally, Slott reportedly rejected the opportunity to return to the Netherlands when Ajax offered him the managerial position midway through last season. Slott remains determined to make his mark at Anfield and the Reds’ senior management remain supportive of the manager.
Liverpool are well aware of the need to find a replacement for talismanic forward Salah this summer, despite enduring a frustrating slump in form last season. Yann Diomande, Bradley Barcola and Anthony Gordon have all been linked with moves to Anfield this summer, and Slott’s comments strongly suggest the club will secure at least one wide player for the 2026/27 season.
