Arne Slot backs Liverpool to bounce back from EPL horror show against Aston Villa
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot looking dejected during the 4-2 English Premier League loss to Aston Villa.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – Manager Arne Slot feels no added pressure after Liverpool’s 4-2 English Premier League loss at Aston Villa on May 15 that has put their place in next season’s Champions League in peril, but admits his side are conceding too many soft goals.
The Reds dropped to fifth place in the table on the back of the defeat and could end up being leapfrogged by Bournemouth, which would see them miss out on the Champions League next season.
Slot’s position has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, although on May 14 before the Villa defeat he said he was planning for next season with the club’s owners.
“It’s not about me, it’s about us being disappointed with the result,” the Dutchman told the BBC. “I spoke yesterday on it (his future) and that’s enough.
“Our focus is on the Brentford game (on May 24) and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well.
“The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is qualifying for the Champions League.”
The hosts scored four times at Villa Park on May 15 but could have had more goals as they cut apart Liverpool’s defence. Morgan Rogers gave Villa a first-half lead, before Virgil van Dijk equalised for Liverpool early in the second period and then got another in added time. The other Villa goals came via a brace from Ollie Watkins and captain John McGinn.
The win moves Villa into fourth place with 62 points from their 37 games, leapfrogging their opponents, who have 59 points from the same number of matches.
Slot admits his leaky defence is a major concern and has been for some time. “We have conceded a lot of goals this season, which you’d find hard to believe unless you live it and that’s what we did today. Villa were the better team and the game went away from us,” he said.
“It’s not about me or how frustrated I am, it’s frustrating for everyone involved, the players, staff and definitely fans. In football you can slip (Dominik Szoboszlai for Villa’s second goal), but it’s so unfortunate. We know what to do next week.”
Villa boss Unai Emery, meanwhile, was thrilled.
“Champions League, this is something amazing,” said the Spaniard, who also has a Europa League final against Freiburg in Istanbul on May 20 to look forward to.
“To compete in both competitions and being consistent is not easy. We had a fantastic season in the Premier League and I am so proud.” REUTERS, AFP
