Arne Slot is deeply upset with Liverpool’s depressing run thus far. Picture: AFP
LIVERPOOL:
Arne Slot conceded on Tuesday that his facet are “not performing to the requirements of Liverpool” and must be almost good for the rest of the season simply to qualify for the Champions League.
The defending English champions sit sixth within the Premier League, 4 factors exterior a spot within the prime 5, which is more likely to safe Champions League soccer for subsequent season.
The Reds conceded twice in a dramatic finale to lose 2-1 to Manchester Metropolis on Sunday, however it’s a wider development that’s most regarding for Slot
Liverpool have gained simply six of their final 20 league video games relationship again to September and solely one in all seven in 2026.
“They know what the requirements of Liverpool imply, and we’re not performing to the requirements of Liverpool in the intervening time, and so they really feel that disappointment,” Slot mentioned in his pre-match press convention forward of Wednesday’s journey to Sunderland.
“Each sport, it feels as if we’re going to win it, nevertheless it does not occur. That’s most likely tougher than once you play a sport and all through the entire sport you are feeling like the opposite workforce is best and also you’re simply not ok.
“However that is not what they really feel. They really feel performance-wise that they’ll compete with another workforce in any league on this planet.
“However actuality is that we do not carry out to Liverpool requirements.”
Leaders Arsenal and Metropolis are anticipated to battle it out to win the title, leaving three extra locations within the Champions League from 4 seemingly contenders.
Third-placed Aston Villa are eight factors forward of Liverpool with in-form Manchester United three factors additional again in fourth and Chelsea in fifth.
“To shut the hole to numbers three, 4 and 5, meaning it’s important to win quite a bit and that isn’t what we have now executed this season,” added Slot.
“That’s the reason that must be higher and that’s the reason we have now to be near perfection.”
Dominik Szoboszlai’s suspension for a purple card in opposition to Metropolis creates one other choice dilemma for Slot.
The Hungarian has crammed in at right-back in latest weeks with each Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong out injured.
Joe Gomez has solely simply returned to coaching so one in all midfielders Curtis Jones or Wataru Endo are set to start out in defence in opposition to a Sunderland facet which boast the one undefeated dwelling document within the Premier League this season.
