Liverpool is on the cusp of Premier League glory and could clinch the title against Tottenham this Sunday. All the Reds need to do is avoid defeat to be declared champions at Anfield in Arne Slot’s debut season at the helm.
Merseyside is bracing for celebrations as Liverpool gear up to secure the title with four games to spare, and importantly, in front of their home supporters. However, despite no other team being in the running, captain Virgil van Dijk won’t get his hands on the Premier League trophy just yet.
Liverpool will have to wait until the final weekend of the season to hoist the coveted silverware. They might receive a few guards of honor along the way, but tradition dictates that the trophy is presented on the winning team’s last home match of the season.
For Liverpool, that moment will come against Crystal Palace on May 25. It will be a special occasion for the Reds, who will finally get to celebrate their success with their fans – something they were denied during their last Premier League triumph in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Interestingly, current champion Manchester City, who was ruled out of contention some time ago, may still possess one of the two Premier League trophies. The reigning champion is allowed to retain their trophy until three weeks before their final league match of the season at the latest.
Sunday’s celebrations won’t be dampened by that, though. A ’20’ mural has been unveiled near the stadium, and ‘Champions 20’ merchandise, including flags and scarves, were spotted being delivered on Friday morning.
Slot admits that his post-match responsibilities won’t be his immediate concern. “That means it will take more time for us to go to the media!” he quipped during his press conference.
(Image: Simon Stacpoole/Offside)
However, the Dutchman is adamant about not celebrating prematurely. “It is a big responsibility because we are aware of the fact the last time this club won the league it was Covid so everyone is looking forward to Sunday,” he stated.
“But we are aware there is a job still to be done and that is (to win) one point. We are aware and our fans are aware we still need a point, we are definitely still aware within this building. I get these questions and then it comes to your mind, of course,” he added. “But that’s the last thing you think about as a manager at this point of time.
“The only thing I think about is that hopefully all the players are available and to prepare them. I know how hard it was to win against a team that was close to relegation ( Leicester, last weekend). It was hard to get the win over the line.
“I am not getting carried away at all. We’ve faced Tottenham already three times, I know how hard it is to beat them for us. That is where my main focus is on.”
