Arne Slot has hit back at his critics in defiant fashion, insisting he has never once contemplated stepping down as Liverpool manager despite a season from hell.
The Dutchman’s position has come under serious scrutiny. A disastrous title defence. £450million spent. No silverware. Jeers at Anfield. Abuse on social media.
But Slot? He’s not going anywhere.
‘I have never once thought what you are suggesting’
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Aston Villa on Friday, Slot was asked whether he’d ever considered walking away. His answer was emphatic.
“I have always wanted to carry on and I have never once thought what you are suggesting because, as I have said many times, I think this club is in a much better place next season than this season.”
He’s sticking to that message. This summer is the reset. Next season will be different.
“Even this season there was a lot to play for. Two months ago we lost to Paris Saint Germain and (Manchester) City and that was the first time we were not able to win anything anymore. But we can still ‘win’ qualification for the Champions League.”
That’s the bar now. Qualification. Not trophies.
‘I am 47, I am not 12’
Slot was also asked whether the backlash had dented his confidence. His response was withering.
“I am 47, so I am not 12 anymore. I have been playing professional football since I was 16, maybe not at the level I am at here now, but I am used to the fact that people sometimes think you are a very good football player and sometimes don’t like you so much.”
He’s been around. He knows how this works.
“If you are in this job then you don’t usually start your career at a club like this, you have a lead up to that. So we are all so used to positive and negative criticism that if you are not able to handle that, you will never end up at a club like this.”
Then the killer line.
“I think that is also one of the things I have learned this season that I can handle criticism quite well. I don’t act differently. I can have a clear mind and do the things I want to do.”
Already planning for next season
Slot insists there’s no doubt he’ll still be in charge next season. He’s already involved in transfer discussions for the summer window.
“I don’t know how I have to say this in English perfectly but there is no reason to think that it is not going to be the situation.”
The noise is external. Social media. Press. Pundits.
“It is all about you guys who are talking about this and probably social media even more. It is not something I am talking about every day. I am talking about Aston Villa.”
The bottom line
Slot is fighting. Publicly. Privately. He’s not hiding. He’s not apologising.
He knows the results haven’t been good enough. He knows the fans have turned. He knows the pressure is real.
But he’s also adamant that next season will be different. That the summer rebuild will change everything.
Whether he gets the chance to prove it? That’s down to results. And maybe the patience of Liverpool’s board.
But Slot isn’t walking. They’d have to push him. And right now, he’s standing his ground.
