Arne Slot has admitted Liverpool’s marketing campaign has been outlined by defensive frailty after Aston Villa ran riot at Villa Park on Friday evening, winning 4-2 in a consequence that has difficult the Reds’ hopes of ending within the prime 5.
Morgan Rogers scored twice, Ollie Watkins added a 3rd and John McGinn wrapped up a cushty victory after half-time, with Van Dijk’s brace accounting for Liverpool’s comfort targets in a chaotic second half.
The harm was finished in a devastating five-minute spell halfway by way of the second half, as Liverpool had been left uncovered after Dominik Szoboszlai slipped in midfield and handed Villa the platform for his or her third purpose.
Slot was brutally trustworthy in his evaluation of what had gone flawed.
“After 2-1 it went away from us. Earlier than that I believe we began nicely within the first 10 minutes of the second half then we had management of the sport with out creating probabilities – however that’s not the primary time this season.
“At 1-1 we had been near going 2-1 after which conceding the purpose at 2-1 the way in which we conceded the purpose is one thing we haven’t had this season but. We now have conceded a number of targets this season which you’d discover laborious to consider until you reside it and that’s what we did right now. Villa had been the higher staff after that and the sport went away from us.”
‘Far too many losses’
Slot additionally addressed Liverpool’s wretched away report, which has been probably the most damaging options of their marketing campaign. They’ve now misplaced 9 Premier League video games on the highway this season.
“Typically groups wrestle extra away from dwelling however for a prime staff like us it’s far too many losses and dropped factors. That vastly has to do with the way in which we concede – it’s far too straightforward normally.
“We now have probabilities however we’ve not been as scientific in ending them this season as we had been final season. It doesn’t assist that [Alexander] Isak has hardly performed for us or that Hugo [Ekitike] has been unavailable. It’s what it’s. Subsequent week, Brentford is the place our focus is.”
The Liverpool supervisor was sympathetic in direction of Szoboszlai, whose slip straight led to Villa’s third purpose, whereas refusing to single him out for criticism.
“It’s not about me or how annoyed I’m – it’s irritating for everybody concerned, gamers, employees and undoubtedly followers. Irritating for gamers who got here again and in soccer you’ll be able to slip, nevertheless it’s so unlucky. That’s one thing that’s in all probability a part of our season. We all know what to do subsequent week.”
Slot’s future beneath scrutiny
Slot additionally addressed his personal place, which has been the topic of rising hypothesis in latest days.
“It’s not about me, it’s about us being disillusioned with the consequence. I spoke yesterday on it and that’s sufficient. Our focus is on the Brentford recreation and ensuring we earn the assist of the followers by beginning the sport aggressive and nicely. The end result of the fan assist and a great efficiency will lead us to what we wish to obtain and that’s qualifying for the Champions League.”
Liverpool should beat Brentford at Anfield on the ultimate day to safe a prime 5 spot, until Bournemouth slip-up under them.
