‘They don’t deserve the position’ Slott says league position against Brighton is unfair
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“We need to be plus 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 no matter what we do in open play to have a chance to win the league.”
“I was once asked what is the difference between our performances in the Champions League and the Premier League, and the simplest answer is set-pieces, because in the Champions League we are top in set-pieces, but in the Premier League we are completely at the bottom,” he said.
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‘We have to win every game’ – Slott worries about pressure to succeed at Liverpool after win against Sunderland
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“That’s reflected in the league standings. The current Premier League is more focused on set-pieces than last season.
“I already felt it was very important, but now it’s through the roof in terms of its importance.”
Slott praised Van Dijk. Van Dijk’s aerial skills played a key role in the important win against Sunderland, keeping Liverpool level with Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for the top four.
“In the Premier League right now, being good at set-pieces is probably the only quality you have to have,” he added.
“Yesterday I watched a game again where set-pieces were part of everything that happened during the game.
“It is extremely important that he has already scored some goals from set-pieces this season and certainly last season as well.
“Offensively he’s a big threat in the air and defensively it’s important for us not to concede goals. So, certainly (he’s) essential and I hope he scores more goals for us this season with set-pieces.”
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Highlights: Van Dijk leads Liverpool to victory as Sunderland finally lose at home
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“He’s always been conditioned and he’s not the youngest anymore so I said before what a huge achievement that is for a player his age.
“He’s playing every three days and that’s not a coincidence, because you see how much effort he puts in every day to recover and be ready for the next (game) right away.”
Slott, who turned his attention to Saturday’s game against Brighton, stressed the importance of managing the team during busy periods.
“Load management is important because the last resort we have at the moment is a new injury,” he said.
“It’s always a difficult balance for the manager, including the medical staff. What is the best decision to make each time?”
“It is also true that players can get injured if they have to play three games in seven days. But it has also happened many times that players can play three games in seven days.
“That’s the challenge we face, but the most important thing is that we have to train today, watch the players, listen to how they feel and make the best decision possible.”
