Liverpool boss Arne Slot met with the media following Liverpool’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Everton. He discussed how this could be the defining moment of Liverpool’s season, scoring a late-winner, the UCL outlook, and a potential injury crisis at goalkeeper.
A Massive Moment
In a season that has had so many big moments go against the Reds, it feels good to have one go the right way for a change. Slot agrees.
“I don't think we've had a lot of big moments yet this season - and when we had these big moments, because we scored earlier in extra-time of extra-time, but then we were able to concede afterwards. So, we haven't felt a lot of joy this season, yet. I completely agree with Virgil, this season has not been of our standards. That's why it's also nice now, after a game in Europe, not to concede in the last minute, but to score after a game in Europe, the winner in extra-time from a set piece, which you maybe would expect them to score from, but we did.”
Chasing The Champions League
The victory moves Liverpool 7 points clear of Chelsea with 5 games to play. Slot said earlier this year that a UCL qualification was an absolute minimum for Liverpool. How is he feeling now that the Reds are closing in on that goal?
“That's very important because we are, as everyone can understand, focused on qualifying for the Champions League. But I think in the lead up to this game, it was not as much about the league table, it's also about representing Liverpool, and four days ago we paid our respect for the enormous tragedy that happened in Hillsborough. But we also use this for the game today because it's a privilege to represent this club, and today they showed what it means to the players to represent this club. And the fans were, as they've been throughout the whole season, a big, big, big support for us. And to beat them then in the first game in their new stadium after what I just said, the week we had, is an enormous compliment to everybody involved in Liverpool FC.”
Injury Crisis At Keeper
After an injury to backup goalie Giorgi Mamardashvilli and with Alisson already sidelined, the Reds are down to their third keeper in Freddie Woodman.
“Giorgi had to go to hospital, big wound, so let's see how he will be. But Freddie deserves a lot of credit because if you have to come in just after conceding the 1-1, and the fans were ready for it, but he did his job really well. Kept his calm in a difficult moment where he was doubting if he should catch the ball, yes or no, and he kept his nerves and worked so hard to have this moment. Usually, third goalkeepers don't play a lot, but in a season like ours, I think if you are playing at the moment in the U8s of Liverpool, you should be ready for making your debut because it's unbelievable what's happening to us.”
LFC Globe Verdict
It was a bit surprising that Slot did not place more emphasis on the UCL implications after setting qualification as a goal earlier in the year.
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