Slot admits ‘season gone’ as Liverpool’s Champions League hopes hinge on music
Arne Slot admitted that Liverpool’s campaign has been defined by defensive weaknesses after Aston Villa stormed to Villa Park on Friday night, winning 4-2 in a major blow to the Reds’ hopes of a top-five finish.
Morgan Rogers scored twice, Ollie Watkins added a third and John McGinn wrapped up a comfortable victory after the break, with Van Dijk’s goals giving Liverpool a consolation in a chaotic second half.
The damage was done within five minutes of the second half, as Liverpool were left exposed after Dominik Szoboszlai slipped in midfield to give Villa their third goal.
Both teams are tied on 59 points and fighting for the same Champions League qualification spot. Villa now sit in fifth place, two points ahead of Liverpool with one game remaining.
Slot was brutally honest in his assessment of what went wrong.
“After 2-1 we got ahead of ourselves before that I think we started well in the first 10 minutes of the second half and then we controlled the game without creating any chances – but it’s not the first time this season.
“At 1-1 we were close to going 2-1 and then conceding a goal at 2-1 the way we conceded a goal is something we haven’t had this season. We’ve conceded so many goals this season that you can’t believe unless you’re alive and that’s what we did today. Villa were the better team after that and the game went our way.”
‘Losing too much’
The slot also spoke about Liverpool’s poor record, which is one of the most damaging factors in their campaign. They have now lost nine Premier League away games this season.
“Normally, teams struggle when they are away from home, but for a top team like us, there are too many defeats and dropping points.
“We have opportunities but we didn’t risk finishing them this season like we did last season, that doesn’t help. [Alexander] Isak never plays with us or Hugo [Ekitike] not available. It is what it is. Next week, Brentford is where our focus is.”
The Liverpool boss had sympathy for Szoboszlai, whose slip led directly to Villa’s third goal, while refusing to single him out for criticism.
“It’s not about me or the way I’m frustrated – it’s frustrating for everyone involved, the players, the staff and the fans for sure. It’s frustrating for the players who have come back and the football can slip, but it’s unfortunate. That’s probably part of our season. We know what we have to do next week.”
Future Slot under examination
Slot also addressed his position, which has been the subject of increasing speculation in recent days.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the fact that we are disappointed with the result. I talked about it yesterday and that’s enough. We are focused on the Brentford game and making sure that we get the support of the fans by starting the game aggressively and well. The result of the support of the fans and doing well will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is to qualify for the Champions League.”
Liverpool must beat Brentford at Anfield on the final day to secure a top-five spot, unless Bournemouth slip below them.
