Liverpool board back manager Arne Slot to remain for next season
Liverpool’s hierarchy intends to retain Arne Slot as head coach for next season despite a challenging campaign for the defending Premier League champions.
The Anfield club currently sit fifth in the top flight, 15 points adrift of leaders Manchester City.
They have also been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.
Injuries mitigate heavy summer spending
Club executives reportedly accept that severe injury issues have derailed their title defence.
Heavy summer investment brought Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike to Merseyside.
However, long-term absences for both Isak and Ekitike have significantly hampered the Dutch head coach.
Despite acknowledging these mitigating factors, board members remain concerned by a series of vulnerable defensive performances.
Champions League qualification remains crucial
Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher believes the manager’s future now hinges on European qualification.
“The noises I am hearing is Slot will be the Liverpool manager next season if they can secure Champions League qualification,” said Carragher.
The Merseyside outfit require nine points from their remaining five league fixtures to guarantee a top-five finish.
The manager confirmed he is already involved in preliminary discussions regarding the upcoming campaign.
“There are conversations about next season but my main focus is this season,” he stated.
His side host Crystal Palace on Saturday, an opponent they have failed to beat in three previous meetings this term.
