Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, faces an immense task in rebuilding the shattered confidence of his team, alongside improving their performances. The Dutchman is focusing on the few positives as he speaks to his players.
With nine losses out of their last 12 matches — including six defeats in their past seven league games — Sunday’s match against West Ham is critical for the defending champions looking to turn their fortunes around.
While the atmosphere around the club grows increasingly negative with each poor result, Slot is attempting to highlight the rare moments when things go right.
“It would also be great if we could capitalize on the moments when we play well because people are, understandably, very focused on our shortcomings,” he stated.
“There are certainly significant portions of the games where we perform well and create numerous chances — we just tend to forget to reward ourselves during those times.”
“Every minor mistake or error quickly leads to conceding a goal.”
Slot acknowledges that team morale dips with each goal conceded, which has occurred 10 times in their last three outings, yet he believes the players step onto the pitch without a negative mindset.
“I don’t perceive our confidence as low at the start of the games. I didn’t even notice a lack of confidence after we conceded the first goal in Wednesday’s 4-1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven.”
“Even after we went down 2-1, there was disappointment, but we generated enough chances. However, after the third goal went in, I could see it affected the players, and that was when our fighting spirit waned, to say the least.”
Faced with speculation regarding a potential rift with the squad amid the team’s worst run in over 70 years, Slot refutes the idea that the players have stopped heeding his guidance.
“After the 3-1 goal, it’s tough to communicate effectively from the sideline, but I believe my message gets through before the game and at halftime,” he noted.
“Based on how we create chances, it’s clear that our training and discussions are translating onto the field, but unfortunately, that doesn’t always lead to goals, which is challenging for everyone involved.”
“However, the message I convey is clear when it comes to how we generate our opportunities.”