Liverpool head coach Arne Slot acknowledged he faces a major challenge to lift his team’s spirits after Manchester United ended their nine-year winless run at Anfield. The 2-1 defeat marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive loss in all competitions, leaving the reigning Premier League champions struggling for form and confidence.
Slot expressed frustration over his side’s inability to convert their dominance into goals, with Cody Gakpo hitting the woodwork three times and missing a late chance to equalise. Despite their attacking intent, defensive lapses and missed opportunities once again cost Liverpool dearly, as Harry Maguire’s late header sealed victory for United.
The Dutch coach admitted that managing a top club comes with constant pressure, especially following in the footsteps of Jürgen Klopp. “When you start as a manager, you always face challenges. Now we have lost four times in a row, and that is also a challenge,” Slot said. “But I don’t see a lack of confidence because in every game we’ve created an unbelievable number of chances. If we continue playing like this, results will turn in our favour.”
Slot also voiced concern over the referee’s decision not to halt play before United’s early opener, as Alexis Mac Allister suffered a head injury requiring stitches. However, he refused to blame officiating for the defeat, insisting Liverpool should have done better defensively and been more clinical in attack.
For Manchester United, the win represented a turning point under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach praised his players’ discipline and composure, highlighting their resilience after Gakpo’s equaliser. Amorim urged his squad to stay grounded, stressing that their focus remains on consistency rather than lofty league targets.
Match-winner Maguire described the victory as “massive” and admitted it was embarrassing that United had waited so long to win at Anfield. He urged his teammates to build on the momentum and string together a run of positive results. “We’ve set a benchmark,” he said. “Now it’s about consistency. Great fight, big spirit, big win — but we have to go again.”
Liverpool now face a crucial test of character as Slot seeks to restore belief and end a worrying losing streak that threatens to derail their title defence.
