Arne Slot has delivered a rousing message ahead of Liverpool’s first game at Anfield in a month, describing the visit of Man United as “not a game for regrets.”
Liverpool have not played at home since the 2-1 victory over Everton on September, with their three subsequent away trips resulting in Slot’s longest-ever run of defeats.
Clearly Anfield will be expecting a response from the Premier League champions when they face their historic rivals on Sunday.
And in his pre-match programme notes, Slot acknowledged not only the significance of the fixture but also the need for his side to take all three points – with the backing of the fans.
“Losing three successive matches is not something that a club like Liverpool can ever or should ever get used to,” he wrote.
“Which is why it is so important that we respond in the right way.
“For this to happen, we all have to pull together on and off the pitch and we have to show proper Liverpool character as it is us – and us alone – who can put things right.
“No-one, certainly not today’s opponents, will be looking to give us a helping hand.”
Slot added: “Last season, we were able to join United on 20 league titles and knowing how tough it was to reach that landmark certainly gives me a greater understanding of what our clubs have achieved over the years.
“It also means that whenever we play, the game will be incredibly fiercely contested because of what we are representing and what is at stake.
“Our last meeting at Anfield highlighted this reality so we should expect another contest that is every bit as competitive today.
“Our aim is to use this knowledge to bring out the best in ourselves.
“This is not a game for regrets or for thoughts of what might have been, it is one where you have to do everything that you possibly can to perform at your highest level because anything less than this is unlikely to be good enough.”
Liverpool rode their luck in the second half of that 2-1 win over Everton, with Slot recognising the importance of the Anfield crowd in forcing through a result.
“Our supporters made a big difference in our last ‘derby’ so we will definitely be hoping that you can do the same again,” he continued.
“I know that you will have been disappointed by recent results, but as I said at the start of these notes, the best way to emerge from that kind of run is to be together at all times.
“Today, we need your voices, we need your passion and we need your backing. The more of them that we can have the better.”
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