Arne Slot is expected to remain Liverpool's head coach next season. Despite a title defence that fell apart almost immediately and a Premier League campaign that has had fans frustrated for months, the Dutch manager looks set to stay — provided Liverpool secure a top-five finish and Champions League football for 2026/27.
Right now, that looks very likely. Liverpool sit fifth with five games left, seven points clear of Chelsea in sixth. Fifth place is enough for the Champions League this season because Arsenal's run to the semi-finals means an extra English spot opens up. The Reds need nine more points to guarantee qualification regardless of what happens elsewhere — and given their recent form, getting there feels genuinely achievable.
The mood has shifted at Anfield
A few months ago, Slot's position looked genuinely shaky. Liverpool's title defence was a disaster — they went from champions to mid-table within a few months, and questions about the manager's tactical setup and man-management skills were being asked loudly. The fallout with Mohamed Salah became very public, very fast, and Slot took criticism for how that was handled.
But football has a short memory when results start coming back. Liverpool have beaten Everton convincingly in recent weeks, Chelsea have been slipping, and the gap that once barely existed has opened up. Jamie Carragher has said publicly the noises he is hearing suggest Slot will stay if they get Champions League football. The hierarchy at Anfield appear to agree with that assessment.
The summer rebuild is still happening regardless
Slot staying does not mean the summer will be quiet. It will not. Liverpool face a serious rebuild with Mo Salah leaving on a free transfer after nine years at the club. Replacing his goals and assists is not something you do by buying one player. RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande has been mentioned as a forward target, and several other positions across the pitch are under review.
Whether Slot can turn this into a proper title challenge next season is a different question. He has one year left on his contract after this one, which leaves Liverpool in an awkward spot if he does not sign an extension over the summer. The short-term verdict is that he stays. The longer-term picture is still uncertain.
Five games to go
Liverpool's remaining fixtures include some tests, but nothing that should derail a team playing with confidence and a clear target. Nine points from five games is very manageable. If they get there — and most neutral observers expect them to — Slot will be standing on the Anfield turf for another season. What he does with it will define whether this is a blip in a longer story or the beginning of a decline nobody wants to see.
Current standings context: Liverpool 5th | 5 games remaining | 7 points ahead of Chelsea in 6th | Need 9 more points to mathematically secure top-five finish | Champions League spot confirmed once top-five is secured (Arsenal's semi-final run opens extra English berth). Source: Sky Sports.
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