Liverpool manager Arne Slot conceded that repeated setbacks are becoming "hard to take" for his players after a stoppage-time equaliser saw them held to a dramatic 3-3 draw at Leeds United on Saturday.
Elland Road Drama Sees Points Shared
The reigning champions looked to be heading for a vital victory at Elland Road after recovering from a shaky start. Having fallen behind, a quickfire double from Hugo Ekitike early in the second half put the Reds in control. However, Leeds fought back valiantly, drawing level through a Dominic Calvert-Lewin penalty and a strike from Anton Stach.
Dominik Szoboszlai then thought he had won it for the visitors with a late third goal, only for Japanese substitute Ao Tanaka to snatch a point for the home side in the sixth minute of added time. The result means Liverpool have won just one of their last five Premier League fixtures.
Slot Sees Improvement But Results Bite
Speaking after the final whistle, a frustrated Arne Slot insisted he could see progress in his team's performances but acknowledged the psychological toll of poor results. "I think we're improving. Individuals are improving, performances are improving," Slot stated.
"But it's hard to take for these players as well. They're putting so much effort in and fighting so hard and not to get the result so many times, one after the other, I think we can understand that does do something to an individual and to a team."
The Dutch coach deflected questions about the mounting pressure on his own position, focusing instead on the collective feeling around the club. "It's not about me, it's what the players feel, what the fans feel, what everyone who loves this football club feels," he said. "I think we all feel the same at this moment."
Farke Hails 'Magical' Elland Road Atmosphere
For Leeds, the point continues their impressive recent form at home, following a midweek 3-1 victory over Chelsea. The result lifts Daniel Farke's side three points clear of the relegation zone.
Farke described the thrilling second half as "crazy" and paid tribute to his players' spirit and the home supporters. "Crazy, it's another magical night," the Leeds boss beamed. "It's Elland Road. The ground was again rocking like no other ground probably in world football."
He added: "Sadly, it had been two mistakes where we more or less assisted their two goals, but my boys have this attitude. No one's ever beaten and they always try whatever is thrown at them."
The draw leaves Liverpool struggling to keep pace with the top four, with this latest stumble at a ground where they had not lost for over 25 years feeling like another defeat in a challenging season.
