Arne Slot sent next season warning as Liverpool boss seeks to clarify his future
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Echo or go back to LFC Live.
Former Liverpool midfielder Bolo Zenden has been discussing the task facing Arne Slot, who looks set to be charge of the club next seasonArne Slot has been told he faces a massive job to get Liverpool back on track and that he is paying the price for winning the Premier League in his first season in charge.Slot led the Reds to glory in his debut campaign on Merseyside after taking over from Jurgen Klopp but the 2025-26 term has been far more challenging.Liverpool will secure their place in the Champions League with victory at top-five rivals Aston Villa on Friday night but the current feeling among the fanbase was made clear when boos accompanied last Saturday's 1-1 draw at home to Chelsea.The performance and the result increased the scrutiny on Slot but, speaking at his press conference to preview the Villa Park clash, he stated that he believes he will remain as the Reds' head coach in 2026-27.READ MORE: Arne Slot responds to Ibrahima Konate Liverpool comments and confirms Harvey Elliott planREAD MORE: Mohamed Salah hands Liverpool injury boost as Arne Slot gives fresh update on Alisson BeckerThe Dutchman said: “I don’t think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season. That is my take on it."But if you don’t have the best season, especially if you compare with last season – if you compare it with other seasons you might have a different debate – but if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes."We have all had our share, and with ‘all’ I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share.
That is how things work nowadays if you don’t win the league.”Liverpool owners FSG have stood by Slot during a season in which his side have lost 18 times in all competitions and, given at least two senior players, in Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, will leave at the end of the campaign, he will have to be backed in the transfer market to reshape the squad.But former Reds midfielder Bolo Zenden believes his compatriot has a been tough task on his hands.He said: "With the likes of Andy Robertson leaving at the end of the season, there are going to be some changes, and changes never make things easier. But it's never easy to come in, and then if you look at the players that did come in, they haven't really performed like the players that were there the year before."They also need some time to adapt and get used to the Premier League, the pace, the things that are expected at a club like Liverpool.
So all in all, it's not been easy."I think Slot has got the benefit of the doubt. If they do qualify for the Champions League, then obviously I think it's more than normal that he stays on and needs to get off to a good start next year.