Slot Confident Liverpool Can Handle Premier League Title Pressure
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has dismissed concerns that his side are struggling to cope with the pressure of the Premier League title race, insisting they have the resilience needed to go all the way.
The league leaders travel to Aston Villa on Wednesday, knowing that a victory would extend their lead over second-placed Arsenal to 10 points in their bid to secure a record-equalling 20th English title.
However, recent performances have raised questions about their ability to handle the tension.
Liverpool nearly squandered a two-goal lead in Sunday’s narrow 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, just days after conceding a last-gasp equaliser against Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Their reserve side’s humiliating FA Cup fourth-round exit to second-tier Plymouth also fueled concerns that they may be feeling the strain.
After the Wolves win, Liverpool left-back Andrew Robertson admitted that nerves were beginning to creep in, but Slot remains unconcerned.
“It is because we are going to the end of the season, not because of us but what people make of it,” Slot told reporters on Tuesday.
“We have won other games at home สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น or away by one goal when it was also tight. I remember Crystal Palace away when it was tight in the end. If this happens at the end of the season, you guys are going to talk about nerves.
“To secure a win in the Premier League, if we are winning 1-0, is going to be a lot of defending and hard work.”
Arsenal’s 15-match unbeaten run since their last league defeat in November has put extra pressure on Liverpool to maintain their advantage.
However, several players in Slot’s squad have been in this situation before, having won the league under Jurgen Klopp in 2020.
Slot himself has experience managing title-race anxiety, having guided Feyenoord to the Dutch title. Yet, he believes past success only counts for so much.
Liverpool face a tricky challenge against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, who have been formidable at home this season.
Slot acknowledged the difficulty of the task but believed his team’s fighting spirit would help them push through.