Liverpool were champions last season in Arne Slot’s first year but they’ve fallen away in his second season and the Dutchman is ready to be judged on the here and now
Arne Slot has put last year’s achievements behind him(Image: Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits it is fair to dismiss last season’s achievements and purely judge him on the current campaign with heat very much on the Reds’ boss.
The Dutchman had the unenviable task of replacing Jurgen Klopp in 2024, but delivered the Premier League title at the first attempt. This term it has been a different story and, despite twice breaking the British transfer record, the Merseyside outfit could miss out on the Champions League.
Despite a blistering start they have tailed off and their issues are well documented. A loss at Bournemouth last time out made it five league games without a win as they languish down in sixth.
Any hope of retaining their title has gone and, despite referencing last season’s achievements previously, Slot has now confessed that he is happy to be judged on whatever happens over the coming months.
He said: “That is what you have to accept if you are a manager that is not winning enough games. I don’t know if that person is in here but he asked me a question if things have changed for managers now.
READ MORE: Former Liverpool star lands surprise new job with Bundesliga clubREAD MORE: Liverpool lodge enquiry for Jeremie Frimpong replacement as Arne Slot drops transfer hint
“Maybe that has changed for managers = that even if you have won something there is still room for criticism, which to a certain extent is normal because we are in a new season and I was the first to say to the players, ‘We have to forget last season.’ I think it is fair to judge me on this season and not on last season.”
Slot has rubbed some Liverpool fans up the wrong way in recent weeks, and did so again in the week after he referenced the fact Liverpool were knocked out of the Europa League quarter-finals by Atalanta in April 2024, immediately after the 6-0 win over Qarabag on Wednesday.
Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool boss, but that will feel like a distant memory(Image: Getty)
He had tried to showcase that progress into the last 16 of Champions League should be enjoyed and not just taken for granted given where they have been in the past, but it was seen as a put down given their regular appearances in the knockouts of Europe’s elite club competition.
Slot very much has the backing of the hierarchy at Anfield and they have acknowledged some of the challenges he’s faced, which includes integrating a number of new players and dealing with notable injury issues.
That said, even Jamie Carragher has confessed that the Liverpool boss would “not have a leg to stand on” if he missed out on Champions League football.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us, and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.