Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke to BBC Match of the Day following the draw at Elland Road: “It’s hard to believe. I felt we performed well for most of the game and were in control at 2-0. We didn’t face any issues, and we hadn’t conceded a chance until an unnecessary foul led to their first goal, which wasn’t even a proper chance.
“Suddenly it’s 2-1, and shortly after, they equalized with their first opportunity. We then pushed forward, thinking we had done enough to secure the win, but a set piece resulted in the final score of 3-3.
“This isn’t about me; it’s about the team and the fans. The players have put in tremendous effort, but conceding from set pieces again—this is our 10th or 11th this season—means we can’t expect to climb the table. Looking back at a 3-3 draw, it feels undeserved to concede without the opposition even creating a chance. It’s tough to compete when we’re facing that situation.
“We can only blame ourselves because we’re the ones responsible. That’s just where we are right now.”
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai also commented on the performance to Sky Sports: “I’m not sure what occurred after we went 2-0 up. It felt like we thought the match was won. It’s crucial not to underestimate any team. After the penalty, their momentum shifted. We responded well, but then conceded again from a set piece, which is disappointing.”
On the impact of their poor run on the dressing room: “What happens in the dressing room stays there; it’s private. We need to manage it and find solutions. At the end of the day, you have to go home and reflect if you’ve done everything possible. If the answer is yes, we simply keep pushing forward and the momentum will eventually return.”
Regarding whether the championship mentality is still present: “That’s a complex question. I’m not even sure where we stand in the league. Every team is performing well and fights hard against us as the reigning champions—a reality we knew before the season began. We must find solutions, demonstrate responses, and everyone has to take responsibility and show they’re ready to fight for the club.”
Did you know?
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There were just 130 seconds between Liverpool’s first and second goals, and only 165 seconds between Leeds United’s first and second goals.
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Only Nottingham Forest (11) has conceded more goals from set pieces in the Premier League this season (excluding penalties) than Liverpool (10). The Reds have already allowed more set pieces than they did throughout the entire 2024-25 Premier League season (9).