Arne Slot reflects on Champions League hopes and Liverpool’s season finale

Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the media after the Reds secured a crucial point against Brentford, ensuring a top-five finish and Champions League qualification for the 2026-27 season. The final home game at Anfield was emotional, marked by tributes to outgoing legends Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah, who played their last matches in a Liverpool shirt.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with Curtis Jones’ late equalizer canceling out Kevin Schade’s opener. The result capped a season of resilience for the Reds, who overcame numerous injury crises to achieve their objective against the odds.

Champions League qualification: a hard-earned achievement

Slot opened with a frank assessment of the campaign, acknowledging that Liverpool had fallen short of expectations but still achieved a vital target. “We came here to secure a Champions League spot, and that’s exactly what we did,” he stated. “The reality is that the top clubs haven’t even qualified for Europe this season. We can never take anything for granted, especially after the challenges we’ve faced.”

He highlighted the team’s consistency in difficult moments, particularly their ability to grind out results when at less than full strength. “We didn’t always get what we deserved this season, but we showed character time and again. Even when we should have won, the opposition equalized in stoppage time or extra minutes. Today, they didn’t convert—just like so many times before.”

The Dutch coach emphasized the importance of qualifying despite the setbacks. “Given everything we’ve been through—injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion—making the top five is a significant accomplishment. We’re going to the Champions League next season, and that’s what matters most.”

Tribute to Robertson and Salah: Anfield’s unforgettable send-off

The final match was as much about celebrating two icons as it was about points on the board. Robertson and Salah, who together claimed nine major trophies during their nine-year stint at Liverpool, received a standing ovation from the Kop. Slot praised the fans for giving them a fitting farewell. “Anfield knows how to honor legends,” he said. “These players gave everything for this club, and the supporters made sure they felt that love one last time.”

Reflecting on their departures, Slot noted the emotional weight of the occasion. “It’s tough to leave a place like this. They’ve been part of something special, and today was a reminder of why Liverpool Football Club is so unique.”

Reflections on a season of adversity

Slot also used the press conference to look back on the campaign, calling it “a season defined by injuries.” He revealed that this was the first match in months without an Academy graduate on the bench—a stark illustration of the depth issues Liverpool faced. “We’ve had to rely on different players at different times, and that’s not easy. But credit to the squad: they dug deep when it mattered.”

When asked if he would change any decisions from the past nine months, Slot was candid. “I’ve made choices based on preparation and belief, not desperation. Not every decision was perfect, but I stand by them. The most important thing was keeping the team focused and ready, no matter what.”

As the season draws to a close, the focus now shifts to the summer and the task of rebuilding for another push at home and in Europe. For now, though, the message from Anfield is clear: Liverpool are back in the Champions League, and that’s reason to celebrate.