Judgment day with coach Arne Slot

The day of the verdict is approaching for coach Arne Slot. Not exactly falling into this weekend's match, although Liverpool and Manchester United are always a measure of each other. And the away match at Old Trafford brings the opportunity to directly compare the two teams that were previously tied by 42 points last season.

However, the story may not entirely lie in Slot's own team. Many opinions suggest that he will continue to stick with Liverpool next season. Speculations surrounding the future of the Dutch strategist do not originate from within the team, and there are no signs that the board of directors is considering changes.

While a part of the fans have already made a ruling early, especially after a series of 9 defeats in 12 matches, Slot still maintains composure. Judging whether he is harsh or not is the right of others. But there is still an important ruling that has not been made, which is from himself.

Slot admitted he could not conclude about the season: "That depends on the result. I will self-assess after 4 matches". If this affirmation reflects the importance of winning a ticket to the UEFA Champions League, then the final decision of the Dutch captain is even more noteworthy.

Slot once emphasized that Liverpool's absence from the Champions League is unacceptable, but if they finish in the top 5 - a feasible scenario - would he consider it a failure, or an effort to limit losses in the context of many unfavorable factors?

Although he once helped Liverpool win the Premier League title, Slot still constantly questioned himself, even in victories. He compared his pressure to key players like Virgil van Dijk or Mohamed Salah, who also have to constantly prove their worth.

Of course, I constantly self-assess. Is using a 5-defender formation in Paris reasonable? Is letting a player play continuously the right decision? You have to ask yourself such questions. Dozens of decisions are made every day, and you try to re-examine them.

But in the end, you still have to answer, what is this season like? I have my own thoughts, but the next 4 matches may completely change my assessment" - Slot shared.

Slot deserves to be recognized for helping Liverpool win the Premier League title last season. However, he himself also dropped Salah from the squad in November last year - a testament to the view that the past does not guarantee the present.

This season, Liverpool has suffered 17 defeats in all competitions and is far behind in the championship race. Slot believes that it is a consequence of many factors, including injuries and the force transition period. He also emphasized that the team is still in the process of rebuilding, with the possibility of continuing to part ways with more players in the summer.

If a player wins the championship for many consecutive years, he still has to maintain his form every week to be on the field. That is the nature of football. And I am also in that rule" - he said.

The Dutch strategist also pointed out objective difficulties, including the defeat to PSG - the team he assesses as the strongest in Europe - and the shortage of personnel.

Liverpool will not have Salah in the away match at Old Trafford, and the possibility of Alisson Becker's absence is also not small. Signs of the closing of a successful generation under Jurgen Klopp are increasingly clear, as many key players are facing the possibility of leaving.

I think the transition process is not yet complete. This summer there may be at least 2 more players leaving" - Slot said. However, Slot still believes that the current difficulties do not reflect the entire ability of the team. He believes that being criticized is inevitable in football, but emphasized that not all disadvantages are under his control.

Trying to win when many players cannot play is very difficult. But being criticized is not difficult. I have heard part of what has been said, and that is already a lot" - the Liverpool captain added.