Arne Slot said even three wins from Liverpool’s last three Premier League games would not silence critics after the shock title defense as he focused on completing Champions League qualification.
The Reds, fourth in the table and close to securing a place in Europe’s top club competition next season, host Chelsea on Saturday before closing the season with games against Aston Villa and Brentford.
Liverpool started the campaign with five straight league wins after huge financial outlay, but collapsed from late September and will end the season unsuccessful.
“Even if we get three wins and three very positive results, I don’t think everyone will still be positive about how we finished the season and how the season has been,” Slot said on Friday.
«It is important that, as I have said so many times, we get at least one win over the line, which we think is enough to qualify (for the Champions League). We are not sure about that because four points makes it completely clear.»
The Dutchman said the season had been tough for his team, who celebrated a record 20th English title last season.
Slot played down fears that another major transition campaign could take place next season, with senior players Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson among others leaving the club. | Photo credit: Reuters
Slot played down fears that another major transition campaign could take place next season, with senior players Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson among others leaving the club. | Photo credit: Reuters
“It always weighs heavily on the players when you lose more games than you would like, especially at a club like this because these players are used to winning,” he said.
“So the moment they start to lose is never a good feeling, especially when you play for this club.
«It’s clear we’re underperforming in the Premier League. We didn’t get the points we should have.»
“Also when you look at the performance. Again, I’m not saying we had a very good season in the Premier League, but we played better and earned more points than we have.»
Slot played down fears that another major transition campaign could take place next season, with senior players Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson among others leaving the club.
“I don’t think as a manager you ever worry, you just look forward to working with a group of players,” he said.
“Indeed, it will be another small transition, probably not as drastic as last summer, but we will have to make some personnel changes due to the two players leaving, with one of them likely to be replaced by Kostas Tsimikas as he returns from loan.
«So no, I’m just looking forward to starting again next season, but that’s not my main goal at the moment. My main goal at the moment is to get over the line in the next three games and then go on holiday.»
Striker Alexander Isak and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili are back in training and competing against Chelsea at Anfield.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Salah have not yet resumed sessions with the team and are unavailable.
Published on May 8, 2026
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