Slot: Liverpool Can Still Achieve Greatness
By Wellington Jopelo
Liverpool manager Arne Slot insists his reigning English champions can still achieve “special things” this season as they prepare to face Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Slot’s side travel to the Emirates on Thursday sitting fourth in the table, 14 points behind the Gunners, after a challenging start to their title defence. The Reds have gone unbeaten in their last nine matches across all competitions, though that sequence includes four draws, such as a goalless stalemate with Leeds and a 2-2 draw against Fulham in the opening Premier League fixtures of 2026.
“It is nine games unbeaten, but we have definitely had two draws too many,” Slot said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
The Dutchman, who led Liverpool to the league title in his first season following Jurgen Klopp’s departure, expressed confidence in his squad’s potential. “Where are we? I think I’ve said so many times that the answer to that question is we aren’t where we want to be, but I feel we have a very talented squad. If everyone’s available and ready, then I think we can do special things.”
Slot highlighted Liverpool’s inconsistency this season, citing both impressive victories and disappointing results. The Reds have claimed notable wins over Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, and Eintracht Frankfurt, but have also suffered heavy defeats at home against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest, and PSV Eindhoven.
“This club has shown many times that when they don’t have the greatest form in the league, they are still able to win other trophies,” Slot said. “We just haven’t had consistency against the clubs where we would usually win, which adds to the fact that we are now 14 points behind Arsenal.”
The clash with Arsenal presents a renewed test for Liverpool. Arsenal are on course to be crowned English champions for the first time in over 20 years. “There’s a lot of importance on this match because we still have a lot to play for in the Premier League,” Slot said. “We are also in the FA Cup and the Champions League, which are knockout games and games where you face teams like Arsenal, so it will be a chance for us to see where we are in a one-off game. We are going up against a very, very good Arsenal team.”
Slot praised Arsenal as a complete side, acknowledging their deserved position at the top of the table. “For that reason, in my opinion, they deserve to be on top this season.”