Liverpool manager Arne Slot has called on his side to end what he described as a “habit” of losing matches they should be winning, as the defending Premier League champions struggle to rediscover their rhythm. The Reds have suffered six defeats in their last seven games, including four consecutive losses in the league, sparking growing concern among fans and pundits alike.
Liverpool’s latest setback came in a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Crystal Palace, a result that intensified the scrutiny on Slot’s rotation policy. The Dutch coach defended his decision to rest key players, citing the club’s ongoing injury crisis and a packed fixture schedule.
Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak, and Jeremie Frimpong remain unavailable due to injuries, while Ryan Gravenberch has only just returned to training after recovering from an ankle issue. Slot emphasized the importance of managing player fitness carefully, particularly with crucial matches against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester City in the Premier League looming.
“It’s not about squad depth,” Slot explained. “It’s about managing the situation we are in with injuries and player availability. We still have enough quality in the team to compete in all matches, but we must take care of certain players to avoid further setbacks.”
Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa at Anfield has become a must-win for Liverpool, who started the season strongly but have seen their form collapse in recent weeks. Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have climbed up the table and now sit level on points with Liverpool, separated only by goal difference.
Slot pointed to Villa’s resurgence as proof of how quickly fortunes can change in the Premier League. With Arsenal leading the standings, just three points separate second-placed Bournemouth from eighth-placed Villa, underlining the league’s competitiveness.
“Villa showed how fast things can turn around,” Slot said. “We must make sure we don’t turn losing into a habit. We’ve created enough chances in recent games, but we need to start converting them into results.”
Liverpool fans will be hoping their team heeds that message when they return to Anfield, desperate to reignite their title defence and restore confidence ahead of a defining week in their season.
