Arne Slot concedes Liverpool’s approach has grown dull: ‘I would not completely disagree’

Liverpool have stabilised after a damaging sequence of nine defeats in 12 matches with a nine-game unbeaten run but are struggling to produce convincing performances. 

DULL: Liverpool manager Arne Slot during the Premier League match at Anfield.

Arne Slot has said it hurts his principles as an attacking coach to hear his Liverpool team described as boring but he could not entirely disagree on current form.

Liverpool have stabilised after a damaging sequence of nine defeats in 12 matches, the club’s worst return in 71 years, with a nine-game unbeaten run but are struggling to produce convincing performances. 

Successive draws against Fulham and Leeds have prompted further criticism of Slot’s style and resulted in the champions falling 14 points behind the leaders, Arsenal, who they face at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

The Liverpool head coach admits being stung by accusations his team’s approach is dull.

“I find it really hard to hear but I would not completely disagree,” said Slot, who could be without Hugo Ekitiké for a second successive game.

“I would use different words and I would take certain things into account. I want to win as many trophies as I can but I think I am also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football and I can only say they’re trying to do so.

“We are struggling to create a lot of chances. But I’ve said many times, we are not the only team that struggles to create a lot of chances. I don’t like to hear this [boring label] of course.

"I would like us winning a lot of games but also playing an attractive style of football which we have done this season. We have to find a way against teams [who play] in not an attractive way, which is, of course, maybe even smart for them to do.

"We have to find answers to that. We haven’t found enough yet but we are working on that every single day to improve that.”

Slot would not be drawn on whether Liverpool plan a renewed bid for Crystal Palace’s captain, Marc Guéhi, who is of interest to Manchester City, or whether Harvey Elliott could return from an unsuccessful loan to Aston Villa.

Liverpool do not have a recall option on Elliott, who joined Villa on a season’s loan with an obligation to buy for £35m providing he played 10 league games.

“I am really happy with the squad we have,” Slot said.

“All the decisions made last summer and the summer before are completely aligned with me, Richard [Hughes, sporting director] and the ownership.

"This season has shown how talented this group is and if everyone is available how good a team we can be. This club is in a very good place if everyone is available, and we are getting stronger and stronger for the short-term future but definitely also for the mid-to-long-term future.”

Guardian