Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the media following a dramatic final day of the 2025-2026 Premier League season, where his side secured a fifth-place finish and Champions League qualification with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Brentford at Anfield.
The match was emotional from start to finish, not just because of the high-stakes Premier League finale, but also because it marked the final appearances of club legends Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, who received a rousing farewell from the Kop.
Reflecting on the match and season-long challenges:
Slot admitted Liverpool fell short of their own high standards yet again, despite dominating large portions of the game. “We didn’t get what we deserved today,” he said. “This season has been defined by moments where we had chances to win, only to see them slip away. Even in this final game, we could have lost it in stoppage time. That’s become a pattern this year—having chances, only for the opposition to equalize or score late.”
He highlighted the team’s resilience in securing Champions League football despite enduring an injury crisis that depleted the squad throughout the campaign. “The big clubs haven’t even qualified for Europe this season,” Slot noted. “We can’t take anything for granted, but given everything we’ve been through—injuries, setbacks—fifth place and Champions League qualification is what we needed to achieve.”
A season overshadowed by injuries:
Slot described the campaign as “the most difficult” of his tenure, with the club’s Academy players rarely featuring due to the lack of available first-team options. “This season could be summed up in one word: injuries,” he confessed. “Every decision I made was about being as prepared as possible, but you can’t control injuries. We’ve had to navigate this season with minimal squad depth, and the players have shown incredible character.”
Tribute to Robertson and Salah:
Describing the reception for the departing duo as “special,” Slot praised the Liverpool supporters for their warmth. “This club knows how to celebrate champions and how to honor legends. Robertson and Salah have won nine trophies in nine years—what more can you say? Today was emotional for them, but the fans made it unforgettable.”
Looking ahead to next season:
While acknowledging the team’s achievements, Slot emphasized there’s still room for improvement. “We’ve taken a step forward by qualifying for the Champions League, but we didn’t reach our full potential. Next season, we’ll aim to be more consistent, more clinical, and closer to the level we know we’re capable of.”
