Arne Slot's three-word challenge for Liverpool players ahead of Man City clash

The Liverpool head coach has been encouraged by the last two performances, particularly with the Reds' attacking output, but he knows replicating that against Manchester City is a tall order

Arne Slot has called for Liverpool to replicate its recent form when it hosts Manchester City

Arne Slot has called on Liverpool to maintain the standards shown in the last two matches when it hosts Manchester City on Sunday.

For much of the winter months, the Reds have been criticized for a lack of creativity and for producing a more monotonous style of play. Indeed, Slot was asked in one press conference last month whether Liverpool has become boring to watch.

But that is certainly not an accusation that could be thrown Slot’s way across the last two games, with Liverpool scoring 10 goals against Qarabag and Newcastle United. City will certainly offer a stiffer test on Sunday, but Slot has demanded that his side not be daunted by the task at hand and play with a similar attacking intensity at Anfield.

“We have to be aware of – and, more importantly, ready to show – our own qualities in the same way that we have in our two most recent home games, against Qarabag and Newcastle United,” the Liverpool head coach wrote in his pre-match program notes.

“Our performances in those fixtures were a necessary step in the right direction, mainly because we were much improved in both boxes.

“We are in an industry that is always about results and after we lost at Bournemouth I told the players that this was an area that we had to be better in because in between we do so many things at a high level, so it was pleasing to see them do this.

Slot is pleased with Liverpool's recent form(Image: Getty Images)

“Scoring 10 goals and only conceding one was a big improvement and the key now is to maintain this progress because we are in a situation in which we have no option but to keep pushing ourselves, especially if we want to finish in as high a position as we can and make the most of the remainder of this season.

“This is an obligation if you are part of a club like Liverpool where standards and expectations have always been high.

“There is never a moment when you can start to believe that you are doing enough, particularly when results previously have not been of the level that you are looking for.

Slot knows replicating those levels against City is a tall order(Image: Getty Images)

“We know also that we have a responsibility to our supporters to do everything that we possibly can to deliver for them.

“This is one of the reasons why I was much happier after our last two home matches, as it was clear that not only were our results better, so were our performances.

“This is what we are striving for. It is not easy in a league as competitive and as intense as this one but it is our objective and one that we work towards on a daily basis.

“This is where I have to give the players so much credit because they bring this attitude into every training session and every game.”