Liverpool head coach Arne Slot delivers a blunt assessment of his side’s problems ahead of their Champions League clash with Qarabağ
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot offered a brutally honest assessment of his side’s current struggles, describing their issues at both ends of the pitch as a “very bad cocktail” ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Qarabağ.
The Reds welcome the Azerbaijani side to Anfield knowing a win would secure a top-eight finish and automatic qualification to the round of 16.
However, domestic form has increased scrutiny on Slot, with Liverpool slipping out of the Premier League’s top four following a weekend defeat to Bournemouth.
Slot first addressed speculation surrounding Andy Robertson, who had been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham before the transfer was put on hold.
“Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening and has been part of this squad for so many years,” Slot said in the pre-match press conference.
“Happy to have him, good that he’s available. It’s hard to say anything definite in this world we are in, but I expect him to stay.”
The Liverpool boss also confirmed defensive absences, ruling out Joe Gomez after he picked up a knock at the weekend. “No timescale but I can confirm he’s not available tomorrow,” Slot said.
He added on Ibrahima Konaté: “I’ve spoken to Ibou and we know he’s having a hard time. I’m hoping him back soon but not for tomorrow.”
⚽️ Liverpool’s path to automatic round of 16 or playoff qualification explained ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Qarabag at Anfield.
🔴 A breakdown of what would happen in each scenario: win, lose or draw. https://t.co/HL9tDPVgSV #UCL #LFC
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Slot addresses the pressure he is under
Pressure is mounting on Slot as results fail to improve, with Xabi Alonso being rumoured as a potential replacement.
The Dutchman acknowledged that criticism is impossible to ignore at a club of Liverpool’s size.
“Every disappointing result will bring the noise back again,” he admitted.
“It’s impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you’re not competing for the league.”
Slot then pinpointed where things are going wrong. “In between the boxes are a very, very, very good team,” he said.
“But bringing it from a promising position to finishing it off we have to improve. In the other box, too many times they arrive and they get a chance. Complete disbalance. Very bad cocktail we are having.”
He concluded with a clear warning: “If you can improve in both boxes then we can still do something very special… if not then there is going to be a lot of noise.”