Liverpool manager Arne Slot has accepted his team’s status as one of the favourites for the new Premier League season, but he insists that tag should be based on their achievements as the reigning champions, not simply on their summer spending spree.
The Reds have had a huge transfer window, spending nearly £300 million on new stars like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. This significant outlay has led many pundits to tip them for back-to-back titles.
However, Slot was quick to call for more context, citing that the club has also recouped almost £150 million through player sales, including the high-profile departure of Luis Díaz.
When asked if Liverpool are title favourites this season, the Dutch manager was clear. “If you won it last season it’s quite normal that you are part of the favourites again for next season,” he said. “For me it would not be normal if it’s about spending, because the net spend of us compared to the other teams is not in our favour.”
Slot believes his team has earned their status through their on-pitch success, not just their chequebook. “But that we are favourites because we won it last season and we played so well, that’s clear,” he added, downplaying the role of the transfer activity alone.
He concluded by reaffirming the club’s high standards and lofty expectations for the upcoming campaign, where they will look to defend their Premier League crown.
“The ambitions haven’t changed, because the ambition of this club is always to compete for every trophy,” Slot stated. It’s a clear message from the Liverpool boss: his team is ready to compete again, built on the foundation of a championship-winning squad, not just expensive new additions.