Arne Slot Promises “Different Liverpool” Next Season Amid Fan Frustration

Under pressure, Slot says he’s already planning Liverpool’s next season

The Dutchman revealed he is central to Liverpool's summer transfer plans and promised a “different team” next season.

“I’m the manager next season” Arne Slot says he expects to stay at Liverpool...

Liverpool spent £450m last summer but sit 20 points behind Arsenal, with injuries and Diogo Jota's death impacting their campaign.

Arne Slot shut down talk about his job on Thursday, insisting he’s still in charge and already working on plans for next season, even after a tough year for Liverpool.

The Reds are fourth in the Premier League, 20 points behind Arsenal, only 12 months after Slot led them to the title in his debut campaign.

Liverpool spent a club-record £450 million, about $609 million, on new signings last summer, but the outlay hasn’t translated into results yet.

A string of injuries to key players has disrupted Slot all season, and the squad has also been dealing with the loss of Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in July.

“I don't think I am deciding that alone, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday's trip to Aston Villa.

"First of all, I am contracted to the club, and second of all, from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.”

Finishing in the top five guarantees a Champions League spot, and Liverpool hold a four-point lead over sixth-place Bournemouth with two matches left.

Even so, patience with Slot has been wearing thin among sections of the Anfield crowd in recent months.

The home fans greeted the final whistle of last weekend’s 1-1 draw with struggling Chelsea with loud boos, and jeered again when Slot subbed off Rio Ngumoha.

“I think the world has gone to where if a manager or a club doesn't have the best season, there is always a debate. That is all around the world, not only at Liverpool. That is the new reality in football,” added Slot.

"It is not up to me to judge the people who judge me. They have every right ot have their opinion.”

“This will always be a difficult game.” 👊

Read Arne Slot’s preview of #AVLLIV:

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 14, 2026

After the Chelsea game, Slot said fans should expect “a different team next season” if the summer transfer window plays out the way he hopes.

The former Feyenoord manager added that he’s directly involved in Liverpool’s transfer plans and preparations for the coming campaign.

“We know where we go on tour. Plans have been made and talks have been ongoing with the club for new players and I am involved in that,” said Slot.

Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso had been mentioned as a possible replacement for Slot. 

But reports this week say the ex-Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss is now more likely to take charge at Chelsea next season.

Slot also said Mohamed Salah will be fit enough for a limited role against Villa. 

There had been concern that the Egyptian, who’s leaving after nine successful years at Liverpool when the season ends, might have played his last game following a hamstring injury last month.

Sharp shooting 🎯 pic.twitter.com/zjideXEs9V

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) May 14, 2026