Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed that he is fully engaged in shaping the squad for the 2026/27 season, as the club begins preparations for a post-Mohamed Salah era. The Dutch coach’s comments come amid growing scrutiny from fans following inconsistent league results and the imminent departure of the Egyptian star.
After recent draws against Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Slot admitted that he has made mistakes this season, acknowledging fan frustration. With a hint of humor, he even suggested he might be labeled the “villain” of the campaign due to inconsistent results and a strained relationship with Salah, who is set to leave Liverpool at the end of the season.
Despite these challenges, Liverpool remains in contention for silverware, reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals against Manchester City FC tonight and preparing for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at Paris Saint-Germain on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
Planning for the Future
With Salah’s departure looming, Liverpool has already begun strategizing to strengthen the squad. Slot emphasized his active involvement in recruitment discussions alongside Sporting Director Richard Hughes.
“I am fully involved for next season, and we are continuously discussing our plans,” Slot said. “Breaking down tight defenses requires careful planning. Wide players are crucial for this, as we saw last season with Mo and Luis Díaz. But there are many other factors, such as set-piece situations, defending long throws, and other tactical details that the team must manage.”
Slot highlighted that the club’s evaluation process extends beyond individual talent, focusing on overall team performance and potential combinations. “We are constantly analyzing where we can improve. There was a moment when Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Florian Wirtz played together for 88 minutes. Understanding how combinations like this work can give us a lot of insight. There will never be a single player to replace Mo—he is unique,” he added.
Beginning the Farewell Tour
Liverpool’s upcoming FA Cup clash at the Etihad also marks the start of Salah’s farewell tour with the club. Slot recalled the controversial period following a 3-3 draw with Leeds United FC last December, when Salah suggested he had been sidelined unfairly.
Following his return from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Salah started 12 consecutive matches but was benched against Tottenham and missed the Brighton game due to a muscle injury. Slot addressed these events with characteristic candor, joking about being blamed for Salah’s departure.
No Regrets on Decisions
Slot made it clear that he does not regret the majority of his decisions concerning Salah. “Looking back at this season, there might have been some choices that could have been better, but I’m not discussing specifics about Mo. I do not regret much during the more than one and a half years we worked together,” he said.
He further stressed that assumptions linking Salah’s reduced playing time to his eventual exit are unfounded. “If that were the case, he would have left one and a half years ago. I remember the away game against West Ham when he didn’t play. I wasn’t there, but he also didn’t decide to leave,” Slot added.
Challenges Ahead
Liverpool must navigate these transitions while also managing key absences. First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker is confirmed out for two upcoming fixtures and may remain sidelined until the end of the season, adding further pressure on Slot and his squad.
The manager’s active role in recruitment, coupled with ongoing evaluations of tactical approaches, reflects Liverpool’s proactive strategy to adapt to a post-Salah era while remaining competitive across domestic and European competitions. As the club prepares for crucial matches against Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain, Slot’s leadership will be key in balancing immediate performance with long-term planning.
ALSO READ :
