Paul Merson makes 'weird' Liverpool claim with bold prediction about next season
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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesArne SlotLiverpool has nine games remaining to ensure that it is in the Champions League next season, with Paul Merson having his say on Arne Slot's difficult campaign and the futureSky Sports pundit Paul Merson has offered his opinion(Image: Sky Sports)Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says he expects Liverpool to be back in title contention next season, as long as Arne Slot's side gets back into the Champions League spots this term.As it stands, Liverpool is level on 48 points with Chelsea. The pair are three points behind Manchester United and Aston Villa, with three of those four sides likely to qualify for UEFA's top competition next year."I wouldn't have thought that if he wins the FA Cup but doesn't finish in the Champions League places that will make any difference at all," Merson said on Sky Sports.READ MORE: Dominik Szoboszlai makes 'angry' admission with clear message about Liverpool disappointmentREAD MORE: Alan Shearer makes 'messy' prediction for Liverpool vs Tottenham with Paul Merson in agreement"I think Liverpool will be looking at thinking that they have to get into the Champions League with the financial fair play rules.
The more you get in the Champions League, the better quality of player you can bring in."They won't be where they are [next] season, in my opinion. It is hard when you have won the league like they have and you've been in a fight for the last two or three years as well.Liverpool head coach Arne Slot on the touchline at Anfield(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)"New players come in and you're playing for Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world.
They're top-quality players and the club is just a huge football club."Slot has continually been linked with an exit over the last few months, with Liverpool never really looking that convincing for long.With Xabi Alonso available, those rumors are unlikely to die down in the immediate term."He will have to get in the top four (or five, to qualify for the Champions League)," Merson added. At times in the last few months, even when it has won, it has not been great to watch.Choose Liverpool.com as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.Liverpool FCPaul MersonArne Slot