Slot: Every reason to believe I am Liverpool manager next season

Liverpool manager Arne Slot stands on the touchline during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Chelsea at Anfield. Peter Byrne/PA Wire/dpa

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has “every reason to believe” he will be in charge next season despite growing dissent among the fanbase after a poor season.

Despite winning the league in his first year the Dutchman has come in for increasing criticism as their title defence faltered – losing 11 matches – and they still need a win from their final two matches to guarantee Champions League football.

However, despite the adverse reaction among a section of supporters, the club’s hierarchy have never suggested they were considering replacing Slot this summer.

“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,” he said.

“First of all, I am contracted to this club and second of all from all the talks we are having. 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.”

Dissatisfaction with Slot has grown over the course of the season but in last weekend’s draw at home to Chelsea, a team who had lost their previous six league matches, it appeared to become personal.

Slot’s decision to substitute 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha was roundly booed – although the head coach revealed the decision was fitness-related – and there were more jeers at the final whistle with the chance to secure a return to the Champions League slipping through their grasp.