Overview
- Liverpool’s Arne Slot said Thursday he expects to remain head coach next season and confirmed he is involved in transfer talks and pre-season planning.
- Liverpool need three points from the last two league games — at Aston Villa on Friday and at home to Brentford on May 24 — to lock in a top-five finish and Champions League qualification.
- Team news for Villa includes Mohamed Salah being fit for a brief cameo, Florian Wirtz facing a late check after a stomach infection, Alisson Becker back in training, and Hugo Ekitike ruled out long term after Achilles surgery.
- Fenway Sports Group are reported to have kept faith with Slot during a season that includes 18 defeats, with frustration spilling over into boos after the recent 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield.
- Clinching Champions League football would cool pressure on the manager and guide a summer rebuild after heavy spending, with reports suggesting senior exits such as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson.