1 week ago
7
It seems nothing can go right for Liverpool at the moment. Four straight losses leaves Arne Slot in unprecedented territory; he might be hoping for lift-off in the Champions League against Eintracht Frankfurt, but the squad had trouble even getting off the runway.
Technical issues with the aircraft delayed Liverpool's flight by around four hours. As a knock-on effect, Slot was unable to face the media.
The club now faces the risk of possible potential UEFA punishment, as by the letter of the law it is under an obligation to arrive in a timely manner and fulfil media duties. But Slot would no doubt happily pay out of his own pocket if it meant getting a much-needed result, with Liverpool at risk of losing five in a row for the first time since 1953.
In theory, Eintracht Frankfurt is an almost ideal opponent. It lost 5-1 to Atletico Madrid in its previous Champions League outing, and its defense has not tightened up much since then.
It has made it to seventh in the Bundesliga standings primarily by virtue of its 19 goals in just seven games. But it would be higher if it had not shipped 18 in the same period, including 13 in its last four games (not including that Atletico defeat sandwiched in the middle).
Liverpool will be wary on the defensive end, having had some issues of its own when it comes to keeping clean sheets. But a leaky back line could be the ideal tonic for the likes of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, who are still yet to get going for their new club.
But could latent issues from the travel chaos put a dent in hopes of a morale-boosting victory? Slot insists not.
"No, it will not impact the build-up to tomorrow's game," Slot told club media. "We have trained over here at the AXA.
"Normally we would have gone to Frankfurt a few hours earlier, now we are a few hours later. But, no, that can never be an excuse for the game tomorrow."
While not making excuses, Slot was at pains to point out that a win will not come for free. He drew attention to Eintracht Frankfurt's first Champions League result, a thumping 5-1 victory against Galatasaray.
Liverpool, of course, fell to defeat against the same opposition. As well as serving as a warning, it cranks up the urgency of securing a result, with the Reds down in 17th going into the contest.
It's a new experience for Slot, who cruised serenly through the league phase last season. But given that the reward was a meeting with eventual winner PSG, he may feel a bumpier road this time is no bad thing.
Even so, Slot acknowledged the importance of a win, admitting he can think of "a few more reasons" than just the state of the league table. Focus now turns to how he goes about it.
There is a clamor for Hugo Ekitike, who will be returning to his old club. Liverpool is understandably invested in getting Isak up to speed, but the sight of the Frenchman on the bench is frustrating with the Reds on the wrong end of so many tight defeats.
Whoever Slot selects, a win has rarely been more important. And as far as Slot is concerned, there are no excuses.
English (US) ·