Liverpool’s Arne Slot Prepares for a Crucial Week of ‘Three Finals’
As the football world turns its eyes to Anfield, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is gearing up for what he describes as the “first of three finals” his team will face in the coming week. The Reds are set to host Southampton in the Premier League this Saturday, a match that Slot insists is of utmost importance.
Slot’s Liverpool will then welcome the French giants, Paris Saint-Germain, to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie on Tuesday night. The Reds have a slender advantage, having secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg. The week will culminate with a trip to Wembley on March 16, where they will face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
Currently, Liverpool are sitting comfortably at the top of the Premier League, 13 points clear, while Southampton languish at the bottom, having managed just nine points from their 27 league games this season. Despite the apparent disparity, Slot is not taking anything for granted.
“My full focus is now on Southampton,” Slot emphasized during a news conference on Friday. “It is the first of three finals to play in the upcoming week. For me, the Southampton game is by far the most important of the week, not only because it is the first one we play but because it is a very important game for us.”
Slot is calling on both his players and the fans to bring their A-game on Saturday. “It is a week to look forward to for every Liverpool fan. We know the final is there and everyone is already talking to me about how the atmosphere will be on a Champions League night, but I truly hope our fans will be at their loudest tomorrow, not in the final or against PSG, but tomorrow,” he said.
He continued, “I have to convince my players we play three finals, and I hope that I influence our fans a bit as well, so they understand how important they are going to be tomorrow. I hope they don’t come in five minutes before the kick-off.”
Slot’s passion for the game and his team is palpable as he urges fans to fill the stadium well before kick-off. “I hope the stadium is completely filled half an hour before kick-off and the players get their reward for their performance in Paris, for working so hard. The fans have great songs [for the players]. They are really creative, so let’s hear them tomorrow.”
As Liverpool prepare for this crucial week, there is a question mark over the fitness of forward Cody Gakpo. The Netherlands international missed Wednesday’s clash at the Parc des Princes due to injury. Slot provided an update, saying, “He didn’t train yesterday so let’s see if he can train today. It’s a close call. It’s not a long-term injury but he still had a bit of pain yesterday so let’s see how he is today.”
With so much at stake, Liverpool fans will be hoping for a week to remember, starting with a strong performance against Southampton. The anticipation is building, and Slot’s rallying cry is sure to resonate with the Anfield faithful as they prepare to support their team through this pivotal period.
- Saturday: Liverpool vs. Southampton (Premier League)
- Tuesday: Liverpool vs. Paris Saint-Germain (Champions League)
- March 16: Liverpool vs. Newcastle United (Carabao Cup Final)
As the Reds embark on this challenging week, the excitement is palpable, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Liverpool rise to the occasion and make it a week to remember? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the journey begins with Southampton.
Originally Written by: Beth Lindop
