ARNE SLOT has given the clearest indication yet that he WILL be in charge of Liverpool next season.

The Dutchman has spent the season taking flak from fans and critics alike as the defence of his debut campaign Prem title fell apart.

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Arne Slot has come under pressure for Liverpool’s shortcomings this season Credit: Getty

Arne Slot and Liverpool will say goodbye to Mo Salah after their clash with Brentford Credit: AFP

And before Anfield legend Xabi Alonso became Chelsea’s new boss, there was plenty of talk that he would be returning to replace Slot.

Bournemouth’s departing manager Andoni Iraola has also been a red-hot tip to take over.

But Slot has one more year left of his contract and he used his programme notes before the Kop said their farewells to Mo Salah and Andy Robertson to hint heavily that he won’t be following them out of the door.

As he prepared for the clash with Brentford, expected to confirm Champions League footbal, l he wrote : “This is our opportunity to take something tangible from the season.

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“First and foremost it would allow the club to play in the Champions League for a third successive season.

“This is where we want to be but also where we need to be given the model we have and the opportunities that qualification brings us.”

Slot, who has insisted that he is already working with owners Fenway Sports Group in identifying new players to be targeted in the upcoming transfer window, stressed : “I could not be more aware of what European football – and especially the Champions League – means to our supporters.

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Slot has admitted just how difficult losing the late Diogo Jota was for Liverpool Credit: Getty

“So taking the final step is not something we want to take just for ourselves.

“We also want to do it for you and with you.

“At Liverpool the highest standards are always set for us and by us and not reaching them should sharpen everyone’s appetite for what comes next.”

Slot’s message was accompanied by a far more poignant one from Virgil van Dijk – who revealed that there will “soon be a permanent tribute” to the late Diogo Jota and brother Andre.

Their death in a tragic car accident last July cast a shadow over the whole of the campaign, and van Dijk paid tribute in his notes.

He declared : “Away from football it has been an extremely challenging season given what happened last summer.

“I just wanted to take the opportunity to say that the support that everybody associated with the club , players, staff and of course supporters, had given for Diogo, Andre and the family throughout this campaign has been amazing.

“I know that will continue.There will soon be a permanent ttributeto both DDiogoand Andre at Anfield – their legacy will never be forgotten.”