Slot’s press conference after champions league qualification and farewell to legends

Liverpool manager Arne Slot reflected on a challenging yet rewarding season during a post-match press conference, highlighting the club’s Champions League qualification and the emotional farewells to club icons Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah.

Liverpool secures Champions League spot with dramatic late draw

The Reds fought hard to secure a crucial point in their final Premier League fixture of the 2025-26 season, ensuring their top-five finish and Champions League qualification. A controversial disallowed goal by Curtis Jones, overturned after VAR review, ultimately sealed their fifth-place finish in a tightly contested match at Anfield.

The game was filled with high emotions, as supporters paid tribute to Robertson and Salah, who played their final games for the club. The atmosphere was electric, reflecting the immense contributions of the two legends over the past nine years.

Slot addresses the team’s season-long struggles

Reflecting on the campaign, Slot acknowledged that Liverpool had often fallen short of their full potential despite dominating possession in many matches. He admitted frustration at missed opportunities, particularly in matches where late goals could have secured victories. However, he emphasized that the team’s resilience in securing Champions League football was a significant achievement amid persistent injuries and setbacks throughout the season.

Slot stated, “We came here today to do the minimum, which was to qualify for the Champions League. While many top clubs have failed to secure European football in recent seasons, we can never take this for granted. I’m proud of what the players have accomplished, especially given the immense challenges we’ve faced.”

Tributes to Robertson and Salah

Describing the reception for Robertson and Salah as ‘unforgettable’, Slot praised the fans for their unwavering support. He noted that both players, who have won nine trophies together, deserved every moment of the celebration. “This club knows how to celebrate champions and how to honor legends. Today was no exception,” he remarked.

He also reflected on the difficulty of his own decisions throughout the season, acknowledging that perfection is unattainable but striving for the best possible outcomes. Slot emphasized that injuries and squad limitations dictated many of his choices, with this match marking the first time all season no academy players were on the bench.

The manager concluded by describing the season with a single word: ‘injuries.’