2 weeks ago
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Arne Slot issued a calm and measured verdict of Liverpool’s recent slump in results.
The Reds have struggled to put in effective performances throughout the season, but managed to win the first seven league and cup matches of the campaign. Those disjointed displays caught up with the team eventually, though, with Liverpool losing three in a row before the international break against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray and Chelsea.
With Manchester United next up, Slot will hope for an immediate response. In Friday’s press conference, the Dutchman admitted the team needs to improve, but is not too concerned about suffering three successive defeats.
“These players might need me, but I don't think they need me to tell them what has happened,” said Slot ahead of Sunday’s match at Anfield.
“We have had 10 games this season, won seven and lost three. The three we lost, we lost by very close margins: Twice in the last minute and once both teams got a penalty and both times the VAR should have overturned that decision. But only the one we got was overturned.
“So the margins are very small, but I keep saying, we should not be dependent on those margins.
“Although if we play Chelsea away, it’s normal that is an equal game because Chelsea has a very good team. We were able to create more than them.
“That is part of it, but results don't lie. If you lose three in a row, we have to do better. But I think these players that have experienced so many things don't wake up at night thinking ‘wow, we lost three’.
“But we have to be aware of that and we are aware of that, and we have to react to that. We have to give the same reaction if we win three games in a row and Man United is on the fixture list.
“What we have to do is create habits if we win or lose, but maybe after losing three times, you are hoping for a spark or one or two percent more from us and our fans on Sunday.”
Slot also said Ryan Gravenberch is fully fit after a minor injury scare over the international break.
Ibrahima Konate is also back in training after withdrawing from the France squad with a thigh injury, while the Liverpool head coach claimed Alexander Isak is back to full speed once again after a lack of fitness impacted his start to the season.
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