Arne Slot asserts that he should be evaluated based on Liverpool’s performance this season, rather than receiving leniency due to their status as last year’s Premier League champions.
Currently, Liverpool sits sixth in the league and has not secured a victory in their last five league matches, though Slot’s team has managed to finish third in their Champions League group stage.
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The Dutch manager points out that the situation for managers has worsened, noting that there is an increasing number of calls for dismissals, while past successes often receive less recognition.
He commented, “I believe it’s fair for people to assess my performance this season. I’m uncertain how they might interpret it, but I accept that if a manager isn’t winning enough, they must be judged based on current results rather than last season’s achievements.”
“Perhaps the expectations have shifted, as even managers with past victories face heightened scrutiny, which is somewhat understandable given we are in a new season. I have already told players, ‘We need to move on from last season.’”
Slot highlighted that Liverpool has only been champions of England twice in the last 30 years, but he insists he is not undermining the club.
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He elaborated, “Liverpool’s goal has consistently been to win the league, and that remains unchanged from last season to this one and beyond. However, it’s vital to recognize how challenging it is for any team in this league to achieve that title, making last season’s victory even more remarkable and special.”
Liverpool invested £450 million last summer, including securing Florian Wirtz for a record £100 million and Alexander Isak for £125 million.
Liverpool has yet to realize the full potential of their summer signings (Getty Images)
However, Slot is frustrated by the lack of attention given to the revenue generated from player sales, including those of Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Caoimhin Kelleher, Ben Gannon-Doak, Tyler Morton, and Jarell Quansah.
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He stated that he is content to work within Liverpool’s financial framework, emphasizing that injuries have hindered the expected benefits of their expenditures.
Arne Slot believes some context is necessary for Liverpool’s mixed results (Peter Byrne/PA Wire)
He explained, “We’re focused on a sustainable model. While the £450 million figure gets a lot of attention, it’s also important to recognize that we had to recoup £300 million. This is the model I’ve adopted and fully support. I find it a bit frustrating when people overlook this aspect and concentrate solely on the £450 million without acknowledging the recouped amount.”
“This sustainable approach is crucial for any club. It’s important to spend within one’s means. Currently, £250 million of that expenditure hasn’t been fully utilized. Players like Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong have seen limited use, and Giovanni Leoni hasn’t played at all. This is the reality we face.”