'I'm the manager next season': Arne Slot confident of staying with Liverpool

Liverpool are in fourth position in the Premier League, trailing leaders Arsenal by 20 points, only a year after claiming the title in Slot's debut campaign as head coach.

The club invested a club-record £450 million ($609 million) in fresh signings during the previous summer transfer window, yet the spending has yielded minimal results thus far.

Slot has faced challenges from injuries to crucial squad members throughout the campaign, and the team has also mourned the loss of Diogo Jota, who tragically died in a car crash back in July.

"I don't think I am deciding that alone, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season," Slot remarked during his pre-match media briefing prior to Friday's away fixture against Aston Villa.

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

Finishing in the top five guarantees a spot in the Champions League, with Liverpool holding a four-point advantage over sixth-placed Bournemouth and just two matches remaining.

Nevertheless, discontent with Slot has been mounting among supporters at Anfield in recent months.

During last weekend's 1-1 stalemate with relegation-threatened Chelsea, there were resounding jeers at the final whistle, along with cries of disapproval over Slot's choice to substitute Rio Ngumoha in that game.

"I think the world has gone to where if a manager or a club doesn't have the best season, there is always a debate. That is all around the world, not only at Liverpool. That is the new reality in football," Slot continued.

"It is not up to me to judge the people who judge me. They have every right to have their opinion."

Following the Chelsea encounter, Slot vowed to deliver a "different team next season" provided the summer transfers unfold as anticipated.

The ex-Feyenoord manager affirmed his central role in the club's recruitment strategy and preparations for the upcoming term.

"We know where we go on tour. Plans have been made and talks have been ongoing with the club for new players and I am involved in that," Slot stated.

Xabi Alonso, a beloved former Liverpool midfielder, has been mentioned as a possible replacement for Slot.

That said, recent reports indicate the ex-Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid tactician is more likely to step in at Chelsea for the next campaign.

Slot further assured that Mohamed Salah is set to play a restricted part in the Villa visit.

Concerns had arisen that the Egyptian star, departing Anfield after a stellar nine-year spell at the season's conclusion, might have appeared in his last match for the Reds following a hamstring issue in the prior month.