Champions League secured - what's next for Slot and Liverpool?
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As for Arne Slot, the next chapter may well define his own Liverpool future.In his first interview as Liverpool head coach in June 2024, Slot was asked about the "few similarities", external between his style of play and that of his predecessor Jurgen Klopp.Slot spoke about how the Reds hierarchy did not want the exact same style but were looking for a similar approach, which was was one of the reasons why sporting director Richard Hughes opted to appoint him."We were all inspired by [Pep] Guardiola and Klopp and I think at a big club, which I worked in at Feyenoord as well, it is probably the only style you can play - to have the ball a lot, to have a lot of energy... there are comparisons between the club I left behind and the club I am going to work for now," Slot said at the time. "Both fans love to see a team that wants to do everything to win a game and if things are tough they try to do everything to turn the game around."In a stunning debut season, Slot's Liverpool romped to the Premier League title, losing just two games before the trophy was sealed in April 2025.
That's the main focus now."Slot insisted earlier this month that he has "every reason to believe" he will be the Liverpool boss next season, with his current deal expiring next summer. Liverpool are also closing in on appointing Slot's former assistant Etienne Reijnen to their coaching staff - a move that would further underline their commitment to Slot.There is of course credit in the bank and Liverpool are not traditionally a sacking club - but there is no disguising the fact that Slot's relationship with the fanbase appears increasingly fragile.
Right now, there is none of the energy he mentioned in his first interview but at least Slot is aware, admitting he hasn't liked a lot of what Liverpool have played this season.And he insists that his side must find a way to evolve and a way to compete while also delivering a brand of football that Anfield can get behind.Liverpool's average possession in the Premier League (59.4%) is second only to Manchester City over the season - but their football has been stale and without risk.Against Chelsea earlier this month, supporters were heading for the exits well before full-time even though it was a Saturday lunchtime fixture.Fundamentally, Liverpool fans want to see a team that does everything to try to win a game - as Slot alluded to in his first interview - and far too often this season, it has not seemed that way.Slot often points to teams setting up in low blocks against his side and there are mitigating factors with the amount of injuries Liverpool have had and the emotional challenges they have had this season after the passing of Diogo Jota.Come August, with the players at his disposal, Slot must get fans excited to watch Liverpool again and turn Anfield back into a place that the opposition fear. That alone is the bare minimum.Slot has already revealed there will be a "little transition" this summer, but nothing as "drastic" as last season when Liverpool spent £450m.With Salah leaving, getting a stand-out wide player is an absolute priority and the potential options include RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, PSG's Bradley Barcola or even Jarrod Bowen from relegated West Ham.Seventeen-year-old Rio Ngumoha is rated highly and will feature more next season while it is imperative for Slot to get the best out of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, the two most expensive Premier League signings of all time.They have only been on the pitch together for 618 minutes this season.Defensively, Liverpool have been cut open with ease - conceding the most goals they have ever done in a 38-game Premier League campaign - and there is no doubt they have missed the class of Trent Alexander-Arnold.Right-back has been a problem all season, with six different players starting in that position.