Arne Slot has acknowledged that Liverpool's campaign is widely regarded as disappointing, and even a strong finish with three consecutive victories will not alter that perception. The Reds, who entered the season as defending champions, have fallen from their pedestal but are poised to secure Champions League qualification after a period of uncertainty.
Slot's Reality Check
Speaking ahead of the final fixtures, Slot remarked: "This season has been gone in a way that even if we have three wins and positive performances, I don't think anyone will be positive about the season." He stressed the importance of securing at least one victory, which might be sufficient for their objectives.
Liverpool's mid-season collapse saw them tumble down the table and exit the title race, leaving the campaign deemed underwhelming. Slot acknowledged that a short winning streak will not silence critics, stating: "Three wins won't silence the criticism. Therefore we need to have a much longer run of results and performances."
Investment and Underperformance
The disappointment is amplified by the substantial investment of over £400 million in the squad last summer, following their title-winning season. Key arrivals like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have struggled with form or fitness. Despite this, Slot believes the team deserved more: "The performances, clearly in the Premier League, we didn't pick up the points we should have."
Looking ahead, Slot confirmed further squad adjustments this summer but indicated the turnover will not be as dramatic as the previous window: "There will be a bit of transition this summer but not as drastic as last summer."
Liverpool face Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Brentford in their final matches, with several key players returning from injury. Slot remains focused on finishing the season on a positive note, even if public perception remains unchanged.
