Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted it is “hard to hear” supporters describing his side as dull and boring, while insisting he remains committed to playing attractive, attacking football despite recent criticism.
The Reds are currently unbeaten in nine matches, but performances have been questioned following draws against Leeds and Fulham, either side of a narrow 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield. Attention now turns to Thursday night’s trip to league leaders Arsenal, with Liverpool sitting fourth and 14 points adrift of the Gunners.
Slot: “I don’t completely disagree”
Speaking ahead of the Emirates clash, Slot acknowledged the criticism, even if he felt the wording was harsh.
“I find it really hard to hear those words, but it’s not that I completely disagree,” Slot said. “I would use different words and take certain things into account.
“I want to win as many trophies as I can, but I think I’m also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football. We are trying to do so.”
Slot conceded Liverpool have struggled at times in the final third, though he rejected the idea that they are uniquely blunt compared to other top sides.
Chance creation under the microscope
“We are struggling to create a lot of chances,” Slot admitted. “But we are not the only team that struggles to create a lot of chances. I don’t think the number we create is that different to some other teams that are doing really well in the league.”
According to Opta data, Liverpool have created 53 big chances in the Premier League this season — the same tally as Newcastle United — converting 32 of them into goals. By comparison, Manchester City and Arsenal lead the league with 65 and 62 big chances respectively.
Despite those numbers, Slot admitted the criticism still stings.
“I don’t like to hear this of course,” he added. “One thing I’d like is us winning a lot of games but also playing an attractive style of football — which we have also done this season.”
Finding solutions against low blocks
Slot pointed to a recurring challenge faced by Liverpool when opponents adopt a cautious approach.
“We have to find a way against teams who play in not an attractive way, which is maybe even smart for them to do,” he explained. “We have to find answers to that and we haven’t found enough yet, but we are working every single day to improve that.”
Injury concern ahead of Arsenal
Liverpool’s task at the Emirates could be complicated by the fitness of top scorer Hugo Ekitike, who is a major doubt with a hamstring injury. A final decision on his availability will be made after training.
Key insights
- Liverpool are unbeaten in nine matches
- Fans have criticised performances as dull and boring
- Slot admits struggles in chance creation
- Statistical output comparable to other top sides
- Arsenal clash looms as a major test
What’s next?
Thursday’s visit to Arsenal offers Liverpool a chance to silence criticism with both performance and result. With the title race already stretching away, consistency and attacking sharpness are now crucial if Slot’s side are to reassert themselves as genuine challengers.
Are Liverpool being unfairly criticised — or do performances need to improve quickly under Arne Slot?
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