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Beth Lindop
Arne Slot has acknowledged that Liverpool’s primary objective this season is to secure a spot in the top four, as they have managed to win only two of their last nine Premier League matches.
The champions suffered another setback on Wednesday night, settling for a 1-1 draw against newly promoted Sunderland at Anfield. This result leaves them in ninth place ahead of their upcoming match against Leeds United, though they remain just two points behind Chelsea, who currently sit in fourth.
“This really highlights how competitive the Premier League is this season, just as it was last season, and it continues to improve with each passing year due to significant financial investments,” Slot remarked.
“It shows just how narrow the margins can be. Our main aim is to reclaim a top-four position because we are clearly not satisfied with where we currently stand.”
Slot surprised many on Wednesday by benching Mohamed Salah for a second consecutive match. The forward came on as a substitute at half-time, but Slot did not confirm whether he would start against Leeds on Saturday.
“This is completely normal,” Slot explained. “When I choose not to start players that I’ve recently signed, it generates discussion. So, of course, it’s expected that people will talk about it when he isn’t in the starting lineup.”
“Every player is considered when planning the starting eleven due to the quality of our roster. Mo has consistently been an exceptional asset for us and is always a consideration, whether to start or to come on later.”