Arne Slot: Liverpool must avoid further errors in the Premier League
Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has acknowledged that there is little room for mistakes as the competition for a top four position in the Premier League intensifies.
Having secured a spot in the Champions League round-of-16 earlier this week, Slot’s team faces a series of six consecutive domestic matches, with only one midweek game, until European action resumes in the second week of March.
During this stretch, they will compete against Newcastle, Manchester City, Sunderland, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers as they aim to regain an edge over Manchester United, who are currently two points ahead in fourth place, and Chelsea in the battle for Champions League entry.
With only five victories from their last 18 league encounters, Slot recognizes that this is the time for their performance to improve.
“We have always considered every period to be crucial, and that hasn’t changed, but it is clear that as you approach the end, the fewer chances you have to err,” Slot stated during a press conference on Friday.
“We are now in a situation where we cannot afford any more mistakes because we have already made too many, conceding late goals that do not reflect our performance in terms of the scoreline.
“Every match is vital, but our current positioning makes each game even more significant because that is certainly what we aim to achieve. The match against Newcastle is critical, as is the following one, and the one after that.”
Slot will be hopeful that the lighter schedule provides an opportunity for some of his injured players to heal. While Ibrahima Konaté has returned from compassionate leave and Curtis Jones is back from illness, Jeremie Frimpong’s groin injury sustained midweek means there will be no recognized right-back available this weekend.
“He [Frimpong] will definitely not be in the squad tomorrow,” Slot confirmed.
“He will be sidelined for a few weeks, but it is not as severe as we initially thought, so there is a positive aspect to this negative situation. Joe will not be available for the weekend, but his return should not take much longer.”
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British record signing Alexander Isak’s recovery from a broken leg and ankle surgery will not be expedited, as five weeks post-injury he has only just stopped using the walking aid for support.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni have been ruled out for the remainder of the season, and although Slot could only name three senior outfield players for the Champions League victory over Qarabag, he seems unlikely to pursue new signings before the transfer window closes.
“The response is that if we believe we have identified a player who can assist us and we think it is feasible, then we will proceed,” Slot remarked.
