Slot slams Liverpool’s ‘unbelievable’ poor form ahead of Champions League return
The Dutchman has been struggling to get his side firing this season
Arne Slot did not hold back as he faced the media ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with PSV, describing his side’s current form as “ridiculous” and “unbelievable” in a brutally honest assessment of their season so far.
The Dutchman admitted that the level of performance has been “unexpected for the club, for me, for everyone,” but insisted that adversity would only strengthen Liverpool’s resolve.
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Defensive frailties under the spotlight
Slot was particularly candid about Liverpool’s defensive shortcomings, pointing to set‑pieces as a glaring weakness after the 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Speaking in his press conference, he said: “Last season, we had let in zero set‑pieces at this time. This season, it’s nine.
“They defended much better in their box than we did in ours. We have to do that better as a team.”
“I showed them how many times they arrived in the box – six or seven times the amount Forest did. But the number of goals we concede is the big difference between this season and the last.”
Slot also touched on refereeing controversies, suggesting that Liverpool have been on the wrong end of key calls across the season.
“If we had clarification about every decision that went against us this season, I wouldn’t have time to manage the team,” he said. While he accepted Forest’s opener last time out, he was adamant that “the one two weeks ago shouldn’t have been.”
Searching for solutions
Despite Liverpool’s dominance in possession, Slot acknowledged that control has not translated into results.
“Not often I’ve coached a team who has had the ball for so long, only have to defend once and then concede,” he reflected. “Maybe the answer is having less ball possession. We did against Real Madrid and Villa and we won both games.”
And finally, when asked whether he feels the need to prove himself to supporters, Slot was added: “Every day, you have to prove yourself at this level.
“You can’t say I won a league or anything like that. You have to win the next game. That’s the environment I like to work in.”