Arne Slot Says Liverpool Must Improve to Reach Champions League

Liverpool's coach Arne Slot says the team's recent games have been very bad. He feels responsible and knows they must play much better to reach the Champions League, which is very important.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

Arne Slot, the head coach of Liverpool Football Club, is currently navigating a period of significant challenge. The team's recent performances have been described as "indifferent," "ridiculous," and "unbelievable," leading to a steep decline in league position. This situation has placed Slot under considerable pressure, with the manager himself acknowledging the severity of the club's form and the expectations that accompany his role. The upcoming fixtures and the ultimate goal of securing Champions League qualification appear to be central to evaluating the success of his tenure.

Arne Slot blames bad luck for Liverpool's indifferent form and says failure to qualify for Champions League would be 'unacceptable' - 1

Team's Slump and Managerial Response

Liverpool's recent performances have seen a marked downturn. The team has experienced a series of defeats, a stark contrast to the success of the previous season. Slot has openly expressed his bewilderment and concern over this slump.

Arne Slot blames bad luck for Liverpool's indifferent form and says failure to qualify for Champions League would be 'unacceptable' - 2

  • Performance Metrics: Liverpool has suffered eight losses in eleven games, including a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and six defeats in their last seven league games. This represents a significant drop-off from their prior form.

  • Managerial Accountability: Slot has admitted to feeling "guilty" for the team's poor performance and takes "full responsibility". He has described the situation as a "very bad cocktail" of mistakes and missed chances, stating that the team must be "close to perfection" to achieve their goals.

  • Transfer Impact: The manager has indicated that incoming transfers, such as Federico Chiesa, were made following a Europa League season. He also noted that some new signings have struggled to adapt, impacting the team's cohesion. Players who remained at the club are described as having been "so important".

Blame and the Role of Luck

While acknowledging his own responsibility, Arne Slot has also pointed to factors beyond the team's direct control as contributing to their struggles. The concept of luck, or its absence, has been a recurring theme in his explanations.

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Arne Slot blames bad luck for Liverpool's indifferent form and says failure to qualify for Champions League would be 'unacceptable' - 3

  • Luck as a Factor: Slot stated, "It feels like that, that's for sure," when questioned about luck. He believes that "almost every time you concede a chance, the ball goes in" and that a "set-piece and a goal can change momentum." This suggests a perception of unfortunate circumstances compounding the team's issues.

  • Missed Opportunities: The manager highlighted the team's inability to convert chances, noting that they "created far more chances than their opponents without equivalent reward." This is seen as a critical failing contributing to a lack of positive results.

  • Context of Arrivals: Slot's arrival followed a Europa League season, and the team's subsequent form has been characterized by a "run of games that we have been in" that was unexpected.

Champions League Ambition and Unacceptability

The overarching objective for Liverpool under Arne Slot remains clear: qualification for the Champions League. Failure to achieve this goal is deemed unacceptable by the manager, highlighting the high stakes involved.

Read More: Spurs Look at Tactics and Player Choices

Arne Slot blames bad luck for Liverpool's indifferent form and says failure to qualify for Champions League would be 'unacceptable' - 4

  • League Position: Ahead of a match against Sunderland, Liverpool was five points behind Manchester United and four adrift of Chelsea. The team has slipped into the bottom half of the table for the first time in over a decade.

  • Managerial Imperative: Slot stated, "If we don't have Champions League football, it's definitely not been an acceptable season." This emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of this target.

  • Team Performance: Slot believes the team must operate "close to perfection" to secure a top-five finish and qualify for the Champions League.

Internal Reflection and Future Outlook

Amidst the difficult run, Arne Slot has engaged in discussions with the club's owners and is committed to continuing his work at Liverpool. Despite the pressure and criticism, there is a stated resolve to improve the team's fortunes.

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  • Owner Discussions: Slot has confirmed he has "spoken with the owners at Liverpool" and "vowed to fight on." This indicates a degree of support or at least a mutual understanding of the situation.

  • Self-Reflection: The manager acknowledged that it's "normal to reflect on a game with decisions you have made," and this introspection intensifies after losses.

  • Player Situations: The team faces an injury crisis, with key players absent and a makeshift defence being deployed. Managerial decisions, such as benching players or considering tactical shifts, are part of this ongoing process.

Evidence and Attributed Statements

Arne Slot on Champions League Qualification: "If we don't have Champions League football, it's definitely not been an acceptable season." (Article 1)

Arne Slot on Team Form: "Our performances have been ridiculous and unbelievable." (Article 3)

Arne Slot on Luck: "It feels like that, that's for sure. When I arrived here and only signed Federico Chiesa (his sole incoming transfer that summer), it was after a Europa League season." (Article 1)

Arne Slot on Responsibility: "Arne Slot says he takes full responsibility for Liverpool’s current crisis — but is convinced he will put his Anfield reign back on track." (Article 7)

Arne Slot on Mistakes: "Arne Slot says Liverpool must fix ‘very bad cocktail’ of mistakes and missed chances." (Article 5)

Arne Slot on Current State: "The Premier League champions are five points behind Manchester United and four adrift of Chelsea ahead of a tricky away trip to Sunderland." (Article 1)

Arne Slot on Player Adaptation: "Isak’s confidence has dipped as a result, his finishes have lacked conviction, his movement is less sharp, and his link-up play, once his strongest suit, looks rusty. Moreover, Kerkez’s restricted positioning has blunted his confidence." (Article 8)

Conclusion

Arne Slot is grappling with a complex situation at Liverpool, marked by a significant and unexpected decline in form. He has expressed feelings of guilt and takes responsibility for the team's struggles, while also suggesting that luck and challenging circumstances have played a role. The primary objective remains securing Champions League qualification, a goal Slot deems essential for an acceptable season. Despite these challenges, including injuries and player adaptation issues, Slot has met with ownership and is committed to continuing his efforts to improve the team's performance. The coming period will be critical in determining the trajectory of his tenure and Liverpool's season.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Liverpool playing badly?
Coach Arne Slot says the team is making many mistakes and missing chances. He also thinks bad luck is a reason.
Q: Does Arne Slot take the blame?
Yes, he says he feels guilty and takes full responsibility for the team's poor games.
Q: What is the main goal for Liverpool this season?
The most important goal is to finish in the top spots to play in the Champions League next year. Slot says the season will not be good if they don't make it.
Q: Are new players having trouble?
Slot mentioned that some new players have found it hard to play well for the team.
Q: What does Slot think about luck?
He feels that when the other team gets a chance, the ball often goes into Liverpool's goal, and that luck has not been on their side.