LIVERPOOL: Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists his team cannot use their “in-transition” status as an excuse for failing to compete for trophies next season.
Liverpool lost the Premier League title to Arsenal, who were confirmed champions this week, while the Reds now only need at least one point against Brentford to confirm a place in next season’s Champions League.
After suffering 20 defeats in all competitions this season, speculation arose about Slot’s ability to continue guiding the club.
However, the Dutch manager stressed that the fans and the club still have the right to have high hopes for the team.
“When I say we are in a transition process, that doesn’t mean don’t expect anything from us next season.
“I personally expect us to be able to compete better than this season.
“This team has proven they are capable of reaching a certain level and we can only continue to improve the quality of this squad,” said Slot.
According to Slot, Liverpool needs to improve their performance in various aspects of the game if they want to return to being a major contender next season.
“We need to be better in many phases of the game.
“Set-piece situations are one of them. We didn’t score enough goals from set-pieces and we also didn’t create enough chances from open play.
“There are still many things that need to be improved,” he said.
He also stressed that several new players could have a big impact on the entire team.
“Sometimes you just need to add one or two players for the whole team to grow and get better.
“That’s normal for a club that is going through a transition process.
“We can’t do everything in one transfer window,” he added.
Slot also reminded that Liverpool’s best squad under Jurgen Klopp also took several years to form before successfully competing for every major trophy.