Liverpool head coach Arne Slot aims to finish the first half of the season strongly to analyse title ambitions accurately, knowing December standings offer no prizes. The Dutch coach emphasised mid-season standing will give a chance to judge them but would not present them any prizes.
The Reds have won 21 out of 25 games in all competitions, enjoying a strong balance and efficiency in play. Slot added a new tactical style of play within the same philosophy that legendary manager Jurgen Klopp installed at Liverpool.
The Dutch coach demanded more dominance in both the defensive and offensive phases while balancing the risk and reward factors. The Reds have conceded 21 goals while scoring 60 goals from the 25 games that they have played so far.
Liverpool’s incredible dominance involved victories over Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United among other top clubs. Nevertheless, complacency and other extraneous uncontrollable factors remain persistent adversaries for the Reds and their ambition to achieve major trophies.
While sharing his Boxing Day programme notes and a Christmas message (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot reflected on the situation they’re in. He said:
“We are still just about in the first half of the season but we are getting close to the point where everyone will have played half of their fixtures and that is a moment when we will have a clearer idea of where we are all at. This is why I have consistently said that judgements before this stage are not a true representation. It is only when each team has played one another and the fluctuations of form and fortune have evened themselves out that we will start to have a better understanding of how we are all performing.”
Slot further added that finishing mid-season in the best way possible is important but has no prize or tangible reward. However, it is imperative to remain strong and avoid complacency as the season’s latter stages will define achievements. He added:
“For this reason – and many others besides – I want to finish this first half of the campaign as strongly as we possibly can. No prizes will be given out during this period but as with the Champions League group, the longer you can be in and around the top positions, the stronger a platform you can give yourself to build going forward.”
Liverpool will face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City in the Boxing Day game at Anfield with emphasis on remaining consistent. The Reds drew twice against Newcastle United and Fulham in the Premier League before their victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League and Champions League table after their tremendous start. While titles are not won in December, many deemed that it is Liverpool’s title to lose which is absolutely incorrect.
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Momentum-changing events can happen at any time and Liverpool players need to focus on the things they can control. They cannot take any team lightly or play complacent at any phase of the game as they realised when Spurs scored two goals in the last game’s second half.
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