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. It’s a pivotal moment for Liverpool, and Slot is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation. The Reds are set to host Southampton in the Premier League this weekend, a match that Slot insists is of utmost importance.
Following this, Liverpool will welcome Paris Saint-Germain to Anfield for the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, having already secured a narrow 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 sits comfortably at the top of the Premier League, 13 points clear, while Southampton languishes at the bottom, having collected just nine points from 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’s message to the fans is clear: their support is crucial. “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 is urging fans to fill the stadium well before the match begins. “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 prepares 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.”
As the anticipation builds, here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Liverpool is 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League.
- Southampton is at the bottom of the table with just nine points from 27 games.
- The upcoming week includes matches against Southampton, PSG, and Newcastle United.
- Cody Gakpo’s fitness remains uncertain for the Southampton match.
With the stakes so high, Liverpool fans and players alike are bracing for a week that could define their season. Slot’s call to arms is a rallying cry for unity and focus as they embark on this challenging journey.
Originally Written by: Beth Lindop
