Liverpool head to Aston Villa on Friday night knowing a win could almost secure Champions League football for next season. Arne Slot's troubling campaign hit a new low in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Chelsea as he was booed off by the Anfield faithful. Speculation has once again centred on the Dutchman's future, with some suggesting his position has become untenable. Yet the 47-year-old is believed to still have the backing of Fenway Sports Group, the club's owners, owing to Slot masterminding Liverpool's astonishing Premier League title win last season.
Arne Slot's Update
Slot has confirmed he has been involved in talks with Liverpool's hierarchy to plan next season, despite the uncertainty surrounding him. The Dutchman revealed he has been in discussions with the club's sporting director, Richard Hughes, about summer signings. Asked about the club's plans for the summer ahead of Liverpool's trip to Villa, Slot initially seemed reluctant to discuss his future, replying: "We know where we go on tour," with Liverpool set to jet to the USA this summer for three pre-season games. Slot then added: "Plans have been made, talks have been ongoing between the club and new players, and I am involved in that if that's what you want to know."
Addressing whether he will still be at the club next season, he said: "I don't think I'm deciding that alone, but I have every reason to believe I will be Liverpool manager next season. First of all, I am contracted to this club, and second of all, from all the talks we are having. So yeah, that is my take on it." He added: "If you don't have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season and the other season, maybe you have a different debate. But if you compare it to last season, this has definitely not been a great season. Then it is also normal that criticism comes and we have all had our share - the players have had their share, the manager has had their share, people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don't win the league."
Xabi Alonso's Comments
Comments made by ex-Liverpool star Xabi Alonso about a return to the Premier League have resurfaced following his links with the Chelsea job. The Champions League-winning legend, who played for Liverpool between 2005 and 2009, reportedly features on the Blues' shortlist for a new permanent manager, following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior in April. Chelsea are said to have entered into discussions with the Spaniard's representatives and, according to The Athletic, the 44-year-old is keen on taking over at Stamford Bridge.
His past remarks suggest he is ready for the challenge of managing in England. The comments will no doubt stir those Liverpool fans who harbour dreams that the Spaniard will snub the Blues in favour of the Reds - should Slot lose his job this summer. In April 2024, while still at the helm of Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso addressed speculation linking him with the Premier League saying: "You never know. At the moment, I have enough on my plate to think about, but I'm still young as a coach, and for sure it's a nice thought." Alonso took over Real Madrid last summer but departed his position in the Spanish capital after fewer than eight months in charge. During his time in Germany he won the Bundesliga and German Cup with Leverkusen, bolstering his reputation as a promising young coach.
