Emile Heskey: Slot Says He Has Every Reason to Stay at Liverpool
emile heskey is the name on the story, but Arne Slot’s message was the point: he expects to stay at Liverpool next season. The manager said he has “every reason to believe” he will still be in charge after a season that is ending without silverware.
Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in 2024, has Liverpool fourth in the Premier League with two fixtures left. They are not yet assured of Champions League football, but a win at fifth-placed Aston Villa on Friday would secure qualification.
Slot’s Liverpool Future
“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,” Slot said on Thursday. He added: “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.”
The position is firmer than the mood around it. Liverpool’s hierarchy has not indicated that it is considering replacing him this summer, even after a campaign that has moved sharply away from last season’s title win.
Criticism After Chelsea Draw
Slot has faced a louder edge after Liverpool drew at home to Chelsea last weekend. His decision to substitute 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha was booed, and jeers greeted the full-time whistle.
He did not dodge that reaction. “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, but if you compare it with last season - this has definitely not been a great season, then it is also normal that criticism comes,” he said.
He also pointed to the scale of the drop-off. Liverpool are guaranteed to finish this campaign with at least 19 fewer points than last season after losing 11 of their 36 games, a sharp contrast to the Premier League title they won by 10 points in Slot’s first season in charge.
Aston Villa and Salah
There is still a practical job to finish. Mohamed Salah is available for Liverpool’s penultimate game after a hamstring problem, though Slot said the forward is available “only for a few minutes.”
Slot also said talks are ongoing between the club and new players, and that he is involved in them. “We know where we go on tour [in pre-season], so our plans have been made and talks have been ongoing between the club and new players and I am involved in that,” he said.
For Liverpool, Friday’s trip to Aston Villa carries a direct consequence: win, and Champions League qualification is theirs. For Slot, the more telling line was the one about his own future, because after a trophyless season the club is still planning as if he will be the manager when the next one starts.
