Paul Merson makes 'weird' Liverpool claim with bold prediction about next season

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Liverpool has nine games remaining to ensure that it is in the Champions League next season, with Paul Merson having his say on Arne Slot's difficult campaign and the future

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has offered his opinion(Image: Sky Sports)

Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says he expects Liverpool to be back in title contention next season, as long as Arne Slot's side gets back into the Champions League spots this term.

As it stands, Liverpool is level on 48 points with Chelsea. The pair are three points behind Manchester United and Aston Villa, with three of those four sides likely to qualify for UEFA's top competition next year.

"I wouldn't have thought that if he wins the FA Cup but doesn't finish in the Champions League places that will make any difference at all," Merson said on Sky Sports.

"I think Liverpool will be looking at thinking that they have to get into the Champions League with the financial fair play rules. The more you get in the Champions League, the better quality of player you can bring in.

"They won't be where they are [next] season, in my opinion. They need to get a center-half and they will be right back up there again next year.

"They've just been off it this year and it's been weird really. It is hard when you have won the league like they have and you've been in a fight for the last two or three years as well.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot on the touchline at Anfield(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images)

"New players come in and you're playing for Liverpool, one of the biggest clubs in the world. It has taken them time to handle it. They're top-quality players and the club is just a huge football club."

Slot has continually been linked with an exit over the last few months, with Liverpool never really looking that convincing for long.

With Xabi Alonso available, those rumors are unlikely to die down in the immediate term.

"He will have to get in the top four (or five, to qualify for the Champions League)," Merson added. "Otherwise he'll be Tottenham manager," the ex-Arsenal star joked.

Before the international break, Liverpool hosts Tottenham and Galatasaray. It then travels to Brighton next weekend.

Liverpool.com says: Slot being at the helm when the new season starts is preferable but not guaranteed. Before the summer, his side needs to start showing some more signs of where it is heading.

In addition to getting good results and making the top five places, it also needs to be more entertaining. At times in the last few months, even when it has won, it has not been great to watch.