Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged the minimal margin for error as the competition for a top-four finish in the Premier League intensifies.
Having qualified for the Champions League knockout stage earlier this week, Slot’s team faces six consecutive domestic matches, with only one midweek fixture, before returning to European action in mid-March.
During this critical stretch, they will compete against Newcastle, Manchester City, Sunderland, Brighton & Hove Albion, Nottingham Forest, West Ham United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers as they aim to reclaim their advantage over Manchester United, who sit two points ahead in fourth place, and Chelsea in the Champions League qualification race.
With just five wins in their last 18 league games, Slot recognizes that this is a crucial moment for the team to elevate their performance.
“We’ve always believed that each period of the season is crucial, and that perspective hasn’t changed. However, it’s clear that as we get closer to the season’s end, the opportunities to make mistakes become fewer,” Slot said during a press conference on Friday.
“We’re in a situation where we cannot afford any further mistakes, as we’ve already made too many by conceding goals in the dying moments that undermine our performance.
“Every match is vital, and the way things stand intensifies the importance of each game. This game against Newcastle is crucial, as will be the subsequent ones.”
Slot hopes the lighter schedule will allow some injured players to recover. While Ibrahima Konaté has returned from compassionate leave and Curtis Jones is back from illness, Jeremie Frimpong, who sustained a groin injury recently, will leave them without a recognized right-back this weekend.
“Frimpong will definitely not be included in the squad for tomorrow’s match,” Slot confirmed.
“He’ll be sidelined for a few weeks, but fortunately, it’s not as serious as we initially thought—a small silver lining amidst a challenging situation. Joe won’t be ready for this weekend either, but he should be back soon.”
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British record signing Alexander Isak’s recovery from a broken leg and ankle surgery is being approached with caution, as he has just recently stopped using a walking aid five weeks post-injury.
Conor Bradley and Giovanni Leoni will miss the remainder of the season, and although Slot could only field three senior outfield players during the Champions League victory over Qarabag, he is unlikely to seek reinforcements before the transfer window closes.
“If we identify a player who could be a valuable addition and it’s feasible, we will pursue it,” Slot commented.