Arne Slot insists he has never considered walking away from Liverpool despite the intense criticism he has faced this season.
The Reds have endured a disappointing campaign following their Premier League title triumph in Slot’s first season in charge.
Liverpool still require three points from their final two games to secure a top-five finish and Champions League qualification, despite spending a club-record £450million on new signings last summer.
Arne Slot has frequently been criticised on social media, while sections of the Anfield crowd have also voiced their frustration during difficult moments this season.
The Dutchman was jeered during last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea after substituting Rio Ngumoha in the second half, though it later emerged the 17-year-old requested to come off due to cramp.
Despite the criticism, Slot remains determined to continue as Liverpool manager and is confident the team will improve next season.
“I have always wanted to carry on and I have never once thought what you are suggesting because, as I have said many times, I think this club is in a much better place next season than this season because of what I have already said 150 times,” he said.
“Even this season there was a lot to play for. Two months ago we lost to Paris Saint-Germain and (Manchester) City and that was the first time we were not able to win anything anymore. But we can still ‘win’ qualification for the Champions League.
“It is the first time in my career that I am not in the end playing for a trophy. Only once I didn’t win something, so now it is going to be the second year. That is going to be a bit new. But until two months ago we were still fighting for things. So, no, not once did that (walking away) go through my mind.”
Asked whether the criticism of his methods had made him lose belief in himself, Slot added: “I am 47, so I am not 12 anymore.
“I have been playing professional football since I was 16, maybe not at the level I am at here now, but I am used to the fact that people sometimes think you are a very good football player and sometimes don’t like you so much.
“It is the same as a manager. If you are in this job then you don’t usually start your career at a club like this, you have a lead up to that. So we are all so used to positive and negative criticism that if you are not able to handle that, you will never end up at a club like this.
“I think that is also one of the things I have learned this season that I can handle criticism quite well. I don’t act differently. I can have a clear mind and do the things I want to do.”
He said: “I don’t know how I have to say this in English perfectly but there is no reason to think that it is not going to be the situation.
“It is all about you guys who are talking about this and probably social media even more. It is not something I am talking about every day. I am talking about Aston Villa.
“For me, nothing has changed. What has changed is the results. My relationship with the people I speak to every single day has not changed a single bit. I don’t know how I have to describe it in the perfect way.”
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