Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confessed to being stung by criticism labelling his team's recent performances as "boring," admitting that while the accusation hurts, he cannot fully dispute it based on current form.
Struggling for Creativity Despite Unbeaten Run
The Reds have stabilised after a disastrous run of nine defeats in 12 matches – the club's worst sequence in 71 years – by going nine games unbeaten. However, their recent displays have lacked conviction, with successive draws against Fulham and Leeds United drawing further ire from fans and pundits alike.
These results have seen the reigning champions fall a significant 14 points behind league leaders Arsenal, whom they face in a pivotal match at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday. Slot could be without striker Hugo Ekitiké for a second consecutive game.
Slot's Attacking Principles Under Scrutiny
"I find it really hard to hear but I would not completely disagree," the Dutch coach stated when confronted with the 'boring' tag. He was quick to qualify his response, however, insisting on his long-held football philosophy. "I would use different words and I would take certain things into account. I want to win as many trophies as I can but I think I am also known for the fact that my teams always try to play attacking football and I can only say they're trying to do so."
Slot pinpointed the core issue plaguing his side, saying, "We are struggling to create a lot of chances." He was keen to add context, noting, "I don't like to hear this [boring label] of course. I would like us winning a lot of games but also playing an attractive style of football which we have done this season. We have to find a way against teams [who play] in not an attractive way, which is, of course, maybe even smart for them to do. We have to find answers to that. We haven't found enough yet but we are working on that every single day."
Transfer Strategy and Squad Confidence
Amidst the scrutiny of performances, Slot was asked about potential January transfer activity, specifically regarding a renewed move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guéhi – also a target for Manchester City – and the possibility of recalling Harvey Elliott from his loan at Aston Villa.
Slot effectively ruled out an early return for Elliott, clarifying that Liverpool do not possess a recall option in the deal that took the midfielder to Villa Park, which includes an obligation to buy for £35m if he plays 10 league games.
Expressing faith in his current squad, Slot concluded, "I am really happy with the squad we have. All the decisions made last summer and the summer before are completely aligned with me, Richard [Hughes, sporting director] and the ownership. This season has shown how talented this group is and if everyone is available how good a team we can be. This club is in a very good place if everyone is available, and we are getting stronger and stronger for the short-term future but definitely also for the mid-to-long-term future."
