Liverpool manager Arne Slot has claimed he feels "complete support" from the club's hierarchy and fans, despite his team's dismal run of form and planned supporter protests over rising ticket prices. The Dutch coach told reporters at a press conference on Friday that sporting director Richard Hughes and chief executive Michael Edwards are behind him. "I'm repeating myself a lot but I feel a lot of support. Not only from the owners but from Richard and Michael… But as weird as it might sound, I also feel the support from the fans," Slot said.

Slot's side has lost its last three matches across all competitions, crashing out of the FA Cup to Manchester City and trailing Paris Saint-Germain 2-0 in their Champions League quarterfinal. With Liverpool clinging to fifth place in the Premier League—the final Champions League qualification spot—and Chelsea breathing down their necks just one point behind, Saturday's home clash with Fulham takes on added significance.

Amid fan protests planned against the owners at Anfield due to proposed ticket price hikes, Slot expressed hope that the stadium's famous atmosphere would not be affected. In 2016, around 10,000 supporters walked out during a Premier League game in protest against a significant ticket price increase, after which the American owners bowed to pressure. Slot stated, "I've always felt support in good and bad times. I hope even in protest that they can be as helpful as they have always been for us."

Slot also praised defender Andy Robertson after Liverpool announced on Thursday that the veteran would be leaving the club after a nine-year spell. The Scotland captain, out of contract at the end of the season, has dropped down the pecking order since the arrival of left-back Milos Kerkez. "He had many great seasons here as a player, but I think people got to know him as a great person as well," said Slot, suggesting the 32-year-old's decision was due to limited first-team opportunities.

Source: www.aljazeera.com