Arne Slot has expressed that Liverpool‘s departure from the Champions League might be beneficial for their efforts to re-qualify for the tournament next season.
With their recent 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals, the Reds are now solely concentrating on clinching a top-five finish in the Premier League.
This setback followed a significant loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup, yet it leaves Slot’s squad with a less congested fixture list compared to some competitors.
Their recent 2-0 victory over Fulham places them in fifth, four points clear of Chelsea, and three points behind Aston Villa and Manchester United, with six matches left to play.
Slot remarked, “If you analyze the players with the most minutes this season—15, 20, or even 25 of them—many are from our squad. This suggests a lot and might explain our inconsistency and the numerous late goals we’ve conceded, as we tend to rely on the same individuals.”
He continued, “From that viewpoint, not participating in Europe may have its advantages. However, I would much prefer competing in Europe, as progressing to the Champions League semifinals also energizes the group.”
“I don’t view our elimination as a positive, but it’s the reality we face, and it gives us more time for training now.”
The first of their remaining six matches is set for Sunday against derby rivals Everton, marking Liverpool’s inaugural visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Slot stated, “Every Merseyside derby is significant, whether it’s the 60th match in the stadium or not. If it’s the final match or the first in a new venue, it adds another layer of excitement to the occasion.”
“They’re in great form at the moment, making this a special match for them as well as for us.”
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Slot’s last visit to Everton resulted in a thrilling encounter during the final derby at Goodison Park, where James Tarkowski scored an equalizer in stoppage time.
Recalling that match, Slot, along with assistant Sipke Hulshoff, Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones faced expulsions amid heated exchanges, leaving Slot frustrated with referee Michael Oliver.
He reflected, “It wasn’t the crowd that affected me last season; it was the referee’s decisions that did.”
“Last year was my first Merseyside derby at that venue. If we were playing in the same stadium, I would have a clearer idea of what to expect. However, I believe it’s the fans, not the stadium itself, that create the noise.”
“I’ll be able to comment on the atmosphere after the weekend. I anticipate their fans will be loud, just as ours will be.”