Arne Slot said even three wins from Liverpool’s final three Premier League games would not silence the critics after their shocking title defence as he focused on wrapping up Champions League qualification.
The Reds, fourth in the table and close to securing a place in Europe’s top club competition next season, host Chelsea on Saturday before finishing the season with matches against Aston Villa and Brentford.
Liverpool started the campaign with five straight league wins after a huge financial outlay but collapsed from late September onwards and will end the season without silverware.
“Even if we have three wins and three very positive results I don’t think everyone will still be positive about how we ended the season and how the season has been,” Slot said Friday.
“It’s important that we, as I’ve said now so many times, get at least one win over the line, which we think is enough to qualify (for the Champions League). We’re not sure, because four points makes it completely clear.”
The Dutchman said the season had been tough for his team, who celebrated a record-equalling 20th English title last season.
“It always weighs heavy on the players if you lose more games than you would want, especially at a club like this, because these players are used to winning,” he said.
“So the moment they start to lose, that’s never a nice feeling to have, especially not if you play for this club.
“Underperformance clearly, clearly, clearly in the Premier League. We didn’t pick up the points we should have picked up.
“Also, if you look performance-wise. Again, I’m not saying we had a very good season in the Premier League, but we’ve played better and deserved more points than we have.”
Slot played down fears that next season could be another campaign of major transition with senior players Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson among those leaving the club.
“I think as a manager you’re never worried, you just look forward to starting working with a group of players,” he said.
“Indeed, it will be another little transition, probably not as drastic as it was last summer, but we have to change a bit of personnel because of the two players that are leaving, where one of them will probably be replaced with Kostas Tsimikas, because he’s coming back from a loan.
“So no, I’m only looking forward to start again next season, but that’s not my main aim at the moment. My main aim at the moment is getting over the line in the upcoming three games and then go on holiday.”
Forward Alexander Isak and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili are back in training and in contention to face Chelsea at Anfield.
First-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Salah have not yet resumed sessions with the team and are unavailable.