Liverpool Boss Arne Slot Prioritises PSG Match Over Premier League Table Focus

Add as a preferred source on Google

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is shifting his attention from the Premier League standings to an upcoming European clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The Reds recently secured a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United at Anfield, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister scoring. This win extended Liverpool's lead over second-place Arsenal to 13 points after Arsenal drew with Nottingham Forest.

Slot, who watched the game from the stands due to a touchline suspension, commented on the title race, stating, "There's still a long way to go, 10 games." He noted that in March, Liverpool will play only one Premier League match against Southampton on March 8. This fixture is sandwiched between two legs of a Champions League tie with PSG. Following this, Liverpool will face Newcastle again in the EFL Cup final on March 16 before a break until their April 2 match against Everton.

"We have the [EFL Cup] final, of course, the international break, and two very important games against PSG," Slot continued. He emphasised that their focus is not on the long term but rather on preparing for PSG. "I know, and the players who watch the French league as well, how difficult a game Paris Saint-Germain will be," he added.

Currently, Liverpool has scored two or more goals in 18 consecutive home games across all competitions. This achievement marks the longest such streak by an English top-flight club since Sunderland's run from February to December 1935.

The Opta supercomputer gives Liverpool a 98.7% chance of clinching the Premier League title. Despite facing some resistance from Newcastle during their recent encounter, Liverpool dominated statistically. Newcastle managed only three shots worth a combined expected goals (xG) of 0.21, while Liverpool had 12 attempts totalling an xG of 1.56.

Newcastle's Struggles Against Liverpool

Newcastle has not won any of their last 17 Premier League matches against Liverpool since December 2015 under Steve McClaren. However, Slot believes this statistic doesn't hold much significance for their upcoming Wembley clash next month. "I don't think that means so much," said Slot.

The Dutch manager observed differences in Newcastle's approach compared to previous encounters: "I saw a different Newcastle tonight than I saw a few months ago when we played them there." He noted changes in their pressing strategy and mentioned key absences like Alexander Isak and Joelinton as factors that might influence future performances.

Slot also highlighted that his team would likely be better rested for their next meeting with Newcastle than they were during this busy period of five games in just over two weeks.