Arne Slot had a clear message he wanted to get across in Friday’s pre-match press conference. In truth, the Liverpool manager wasn’t particularly subtle in delivering it.
Perhaps the tone was set by the first three questions, which centered around Alisson and Paris Saint-Germain, two days on from that smash and grab in the French capital. But Slot was keen to remind those in attendance that this press conference was to preview the match against Southampton in the Premier League.
“I am not looking anymore at the PSG game, our focus is now on Southampton, the first of three finals,” the Dutchman said at the end of his third question, over three minutes into the press conference.
He spoke of Southampton being ‘by far the most important’ game, how he would choose his best line-up if possible, although fitness levels may render that impossible. The ex-Feyenoord boss also praised the side who travels to Anfield this weekend, insisting that it deserves more than the nine points that it currently has on the board after 27 games, and referenced how they set up in a similar manner to PSG, who caused Liverpool such issues on Wednesday night.
The visit of the Saints comes in a pivotal period of the season, sandwiched between the PSG matches and just eight days out from the Carabao Cup final. It would be easy to switch off, downplay the significance of a clash against a team on course for one of the worst-ever Premier League points tallies, but Slot won’t allow that.
“I 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 hope that our fans will be at their loudest tomorrow and not against PSG,” Slot said pointedly on Friday.
“I have to convince my players that we play three finals, like I said now a few times. I’m hoping – and that’s why I every time come up with the word ‘final’ – that I influence our fans a bit as well, that they understand how important they’re going to be tomorrow.
“So I’m hoping they will not come into the stadium five minutes before the kick-off. I’m hoping the whole stadium is already completely filled half an hour before kick-off, and that these players get the reward for what they did in Paris for working so hard.
“They have great songs. Sometimes when I look at social media, I see these songs coming from Lucho [Diaz] and from Virgil [van Dijk] and Macca [Alexis Mac Allister]. They are really creative, these songs. Let’s hear them before the game tomorrow, although I’m in the stands as well.
Slot laughed off suggestions that he could sing along himself as he’ll be situated in the crowd due to his touchline suspension, but there was a serious undertone to his media briefing. He won’t let Liverpool lose focus.
As for any concerns over fans and the atmosphere generated, Slot needn’t worry. These supporters are desperate to witness a first title in the flesh since 1990, given the triumph in 2020 came in the midst of the Covid-19 lockdown. The desire is palpable, visceral and insatiable.
(Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
But the not-so-subtle message to his players and the supporters does offer some insight into Slot and his preparations. There may be just a one percent chance that complacency could filter in, but the Liverpool boss will put preventative steps in place just in case.
He also knows that Liverpool’s Champions League opportunities will benefit if the league can be wrapped up early in what could still be one of the most exciting seasons in the club’s storied history.
