Liverpool manager Arne Slot has suggested that his team's recent exits from the Champions League and FA Cup might provide an unexpected advantage in their Premier League campaign. The Reds were eliminated from the Champions League after a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Paris St Germain in the quarter-finals, following a heavy loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Focus Shifts to Premier League Qualification
With European and domestic cup competitions now behind them, Liverpool's sole objective is securing a top-five finish in the Premier League to qualify for next season's Champions League. Last weekend's 2-0 victory over Fulham leaves them in fifth position, four points clear of Chelsea and three points behind both Aston Villa and Manchester United, with six crucial matches remaining.
Reduced Fixture Congestion Could Prove Beneficial
Slot acknowledged that while he would prefer to still be competing in Europe, the reduced schedule could help address Liverpool's consistency issues. "If you look at the 15, 20, 25 players with the most minutes this season, a lot of them are from us," Slot explained. "That tells you a lot and one of the reasons why we have been a bit inconsistent, maybe why we have conceded so many late goals, because it is always the same players."
The Dutch manager continued: "Maybe from that perspective, it is a good thing we are not in Europe any more, but I would definitely prefer to play in Europe because that also gives an energy to the group if you go to the semi-final of the Champions League. I don't see it as a positive thing we are out but it is the reality and we have a bit more training time now."
Merseyside Derby Looms Large
Liverpool's immediate focus turns to Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, marking Liverpool's first visit to Everton's new home. Slot anticipates another intense encounter, recalling last season's dramatic 1-1 draw at Goodison Park that saw multiple red cards and a late equalizer from James Tarkowski.
"It is always a very special game, doesn't matter if it is the 60th being played in the stadium, but, if it is the last one being played in a stadium or a first one, it makes it even more special, if that's even possible," said Slot. "Of course, they are in a very good place at the moment. It will always be a very special game for them, but also for us."
Atmosphere and Officiating Concerns
When questioned about the potential atmosphere at Everton's new stadium, Slot reflected on last season's controversial derby where he, assistant Sipke Hulshoff, Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones were all sent off. "The crowd didn't affect me last season, the referee's decisions affected me," Slot stated, referring to his frustration with referee Michael Oliver's handling of the match.
"Last season was my first Merseyside derby in that stadium so, if we played in the same stadium, I would probably know what to expect. But I don't think a stadium is loud, it is usually fans that are loud," he added. "How much of a difference it will be, I will tell you after the weekend. I think their fans will be loud, as our fans will be as well."
With the Premier League race heating up and a crucial derby ahead, Slot will be hoping his squad can capitalize on their reduced fixture list to secure vital points in their quest for Champions League qualification.
