In spite of the Premier League champions enduring a disappointing title defence that ended in a top-five finish, Arne Slot has assured supporters he will stay on as Liverpool manager next season,
With the Reds’ final away fixture of the campaign looming against Aston Villa on Friday night, the head coach admitted the season has fallen well short of expectations after months of scrutiny.
“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 – 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.”
Mohamed Salah is expected to return to the squad for the Villa Park trip as his final fortnight at Anfield gets under way, though the Egyptian forward is only likely to make a brief cameo appearance.
The outgoing star will play his last game at Anfield against Brentford next Sunday, but a recent hamstring injury has disrupted his farewell tour.
Slot confirmed Salah will be available for “a few minutes”.
Goalkeeper Alisson is rated 50-50 after training with the squad but may not travel, while midfielder Florian Wirtz is doubtful with a stomach bug and is currently on antibiotics.
Defender Ibrahima Konate, however, is fully fit after limping off in last week’s match.
Elsewhere, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given a positive update on Jurrien Timber’s recovery, hinting the right-back could be available for the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the month.
Timber has been sidelined since coming off in the first half of a 2-0 win over Everton in mid-March, yet he has played a key role in the Gunners’ campaign with 43 appearances across all competitions.
Arsenal still harbour hopes of claiming a first league title in 22 years and face Burnley on Monday night before travelling to Crystal Palace on May 24.
The Champions League final is set for May 30 in Budapest, with that fixture the main target for Timber’s return.
“He (Timber) has progressed a little bit in the last few days. We will try to get him back and available as quick as possible. He’s doing everything he possibly can to help the team in any capacity,” Arteta said.
On the defender’s chances of featuring before the season ends, he added: “There is a chance, but how big that chance is I cannot tell you.”
Arteta also expressed uncertainty over Riccardo Calafiori’s availability for Monday’s match, stating: “Hopefully it’s not something serious but we’ll have to wait and see how he reacts.”
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