Arne Slot (48), Liverpool manager, has dismissed the possibility of his dismissal. He expressed confidence, saying he is already working with the club's leadership on transfer plans for next season.
The British newspaper The Independent reported on the 14th (Korea time) that the defending champion Liverpool, currently sitting fourth in the league, has not even secured a spot in next season's Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Champions League (UCL), but manager Slot is appearing calm.
Liverpool, led by manager Slot, drew 1-1 with Chelsea on the 9th, holding onto fourth place. They have the same 59 points as fifth-place Aston Villa and are being chased by sixth-place Bournemouth (55 points). This season, Champions League tickets are given up to fifth place.
Fans have expressed dissatisfaction with manager Slot as Liverpool have failed to meet expectations this season. After the match, when Rio Onguene was substituted for Alexander Isak in the 22nd minute of the second half, loud boos erupted from the stands.
However, Slot's position, with one year left on his contract, still appears solid. In an interview he emphasized, "I don't decide it myself, but there are reasons to believe that I will be Liverpool's manager next season."
He added, "First, I am under contract with this club, and all the conversations we are having support that," and acknowledged, "It is clear this season has not been as good compared with last season, and criticism for that is natural."
He also added, "If you do not win the league, managers, players and club officials all have to accept criticism — that's the way it is these days," expressing confidence that he will not be dismissed after this season.
In particular, on a successor to ace Mohamed Salah (34), Slot said, "We already know where the tour will go. Plans are made and negotiations between the club and new players are ongoing," and "I am also involved in that process," effectively reinforcing the likelihood he will remain.
Slot said of the fans' criticism, "The debate that arises when a manager or club does not have its best season is not unique to Liverpool but a global phenomenon," arguing, "that is the new reality of football."
He calmly added, "I cannot judge those who judge me. Things that were talked about only in pubs 10 to 15 years ago are now simply more publicly visible."
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