Arne Slot is confident he will remain at Anfield, believing he has "every reason" to lead Liverpool next season despite a fractured relationship with the supporters. 

Liverpool's Premier League title defence has been underwhelming in 2025-26, with the Reds currently 20 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal with two games left. 

The Reds have lost 18 matches in all competitions this term. Since they were last promoted to the top-flight in 1962, only in 1992-93 (20), 2004-05 (19), and 2009-10 (19) have they fallen to defeat more times in a single campaign. 

Slot also faced the fury of the Anfield crowd in last weekend's 1-1 draw with a struggling Chelsea side when he substituted exciting forward Rio Ngumoha off in the 67th minute. 

And speculation around the Dutchman's future on Merseyside has only intensified amid reports that former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso is interested in becoming Chelsea's new boss once the season ends. 

"I don't think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season," Slot told reporters. 

"First of all, I am contracted to this club and, second of all, from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it.

"But if you don't have the best season, especially if you compare it with last season – if you compare it with other seasons, you might have a different debate – but if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season.

"Then it is also normal that criticism comes. We have all had our share, and with 'all' I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don't win the league.

"I think the world has gone to where if a manager or a club doesn't have their best season there is always a debate about that. It is not only Liverpool, it is all around the world.

"That is the new reality in football. It is not up to me to judge the people who judge me. They have every right to have their opinion."

Despite Liverpool's underwhelming campaign, Slot can still lead them to Champions League qualification should they beat Europa League finalists Aston Villa on Friday. 

Liverpool won the reverse fixture at Anfield 2-0 in November. They last did the league double over the Villans in 2021-22, while they last did so without conceding in 1995-96.

The Reds have lost 11 Premier League games this season, last losing more in 2014-15 (12). Away from home, the Reds have lost eight times, last losing more in 2011-12 (10).

But their chances of victory have been boosted by the return of several key players, including Mohamed Salah, who has missed the last two matches with a muscle injury.

Ibrahima Konate was taken off against Chelsea, while Florian Wirtz and Alisson Becker were not involved against the Blues altogether, though Slot was hopeful they would play some part at Villa Park.

"Ibou [Konate] is okay, he trained with us. Mo [Salah] will be available tomorrow, but only for a few minutes," Slot added. "Hopefully he can come in.

"Alisson [Becker] trained with us again. Let's see tomorrow whether he is ready or has to wait one more week.

"Florian [Wirtz] [had a] stomach infection and is on antibiotics. Let's see if he is ready to play tomorrow."