Arne Slot admits feeling guilty over Liverpool’s slump after eighth defeat in 11 games, with Virgil van Dijk calling for more responsibility
LIVERPOOL: Arne Slot admitted feeling guilty over Liverpool’s “ridiculous” slump ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven.
Slot’s side suffered their eighth defeat in 11 matches when Nottingham Forest won 3-0 at Anfield on Saturday.
The Reds were expected to dominate after last season’s Premier League title triumph and summer spending spree.
Instead they have been repeatedly exposed defensively while their midfield and forward play has fallen below last season’s standards.
Liverpool languish 12th in the Premier League, their first time in the bottom half for over a decade.
The Champions League now represents their best chance of silverware this season.
Slot described Liverpool’s predicament as unbelievable and unexpected for everyone involved.
“If you ever needed to face this maybe this is the best club to face it because the harder it gets the more we are together,” he told reporters.
The Dutch manager acknowledged taking responsibility for the team’s poor results.
“I take the responsibility and feel guilty for it,” Slot said. “We’re busy working on it.”
Amid criticism of Liverpool’s perceived lack of desire, captain Virgil van Dijk has called for more individual responsibility.
Slot disagreed that his players are shirking their duties.
He suggested tactical approaches from opponents are causing concentration lapses at vital moments.
“No, no we haven’t,” Slot said when asked if Liverpool had lost their hunger.
“But in moments of games we have lost too many duels.”
Despite domestic struggles, Liverpool hold eighth position in the Champions League table.
A victory over PSV would consolidate their top-eight position and provide a morale boost.
Dutch forward Cody Gakpo revealed the squad have been discussing solutions to their problems.
“After the game on Saturday it was a kind of embarrassment because we lost 3-0 at home,” the former PSV star said.
“We tried to speak together and be honest with each other about what we have to do to perform better.”
Gakpo confirmed players are aware they must take more responsibility on and off the pitch.
The squad’s discussions focused on improving specific aspects of their on-field performance. – AFP
