Arne Slot Insists Liverpool Can Still Achieve ‘Special Things’ Despite Growing Pressure

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has insisted his side remain capable of achieving “very special things” this season, despite mounting external pressure and a difficult run of domestic form. With the Reds slipping away from the Premier League title race and struggling for consistency, the Dutchman has acknowledged the growing “noise” around the club, while reaffirming his belief in the squad’s potential.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s crucial European fixture against Qarabag, Slot outlined the fine margins that will define his first campaign at Anfield. Drawing on recent performances and squad availability, he stressed that progress in key areas will determine whether the season is remembered as acceptable or exceptional.

The comments, first reported by BBC Sport’s Liverpool correspondent Aadam Patel, come at a pivotal point in Liverpool’s campaign, with European qualification and domestic momentum still on the line.

Slot Reflects on Pressure and Expectations at Liverpool

Slot has been candid about the realities of managing a club with Liverpool’s history and standards. With only five wins in their past 18 Premier League matches, scrutiny has intensified around his methods and results.

“When you are Liverpool, the aim is to win the league,” Slot said. “We’ve only done this twice in the last 30 years. The aim is to be competitive in every single competition we are in.”

He added: “That’s always the aim, but the reality is that in the last three years we’ve won one League Cup and one Premier League title. What is acceptable? I have my opinion but I’m not going to share that. The outside world has an opinion.”

Slot also addressed criticism surrounding recent transfer spending.

“As we all know, a lot has been said about the £450m that Liverpool spent in the summer, but people tend to forget the £300m we bought in,” he explained.

Currently sitting sixth in the league, Liverpool find themselves under increasing pressure to show tangible progress during the second half of the campaign.

Improving Both Boxes Remains Central to Slot’s Vision

Central to Slot’s message is the need for Liverpool to improve at both ends of the pitch. He believes marginal gains in defensive solidity and attacking efficiency could transform their season.

“If we can improve in both boxes, we can do very special things this season,” Slot said.

“But if we can only improve in one box, then it will probably be an acceptable season but not more than that. And if we can’t improve in both boxes, there’s going to be a lot of noise.”

He also acknowledged that Liverpool’s league position makes it difficult to silence criticism.

“I think it’s going to be really difficult to quiet the outside noise with the position we are in in the league,” he said. “So even if we win a few games, every loss or every disappointing result will start the noise coming back again.”

“That’s what you can expect if you started the season as we did – not started, but at a certain moment with so many losses. So it’s impossible to shut down the noise at a club like this if you are not competing for the league.”

European Qualification and Qarabag Challenge

While domestic form has faltered, Liverpool still have significant European ambitions. Automatic qualification for the Champions League last-16 remains within reach, with Qarabag visiting Anfield in a decisive group-stage fixture.

Slot warned against complacency, highlighting the Azerbaijani side’s threat.

“It is always the players that make things difficult,” he said. “They are very direct, fast players. They go very direct and fast towards goal and have players who are comfortable on the ball.”

“They have shown against big clubs that they are a very good team. Even Chelsea, they were able to keep them to 2-2.”

He also reflected on the wider impact of Liverpool’s European schedule.

“If you look at our Champions League this season, some clubs are lucky to face teams who are outside and in the bottom 10. We only played one. We did really well, but maybe it has given us some problems in the league game or two games later.”

With qualification still in Liverpool’s hands, the fixture represents a critical opportunity to restore confidence.

Robertson Future and Injury Concerns Clarified

Slot also addressed speculation surrounding Andy Robertson’s future, confirming that the vice-captain is expected to remain at Anfield despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

“Robbo is part of the team tomorrow evening and he has been part of this club for so many years,” Slot said. “I’m happy to have him and it’s good that he is available.”

Asked directly about Robertson’s future, he added: “It is hard to say anything definite in this world we are in, but I expect him to.”

Injury issues continue to complicate selection. Joe Gomez is sidelined with a hip problem, while Ibrahima Konaté remains absent due to personal reasons.

“He’s having a hard time,” Slot said of Konaté. “I’m hoping and expecting him back soon, but he’s not available for tomorrow.”

With Virgil van Dijk currently the only senior centre-back available, Slot has been forced to adapt, including using Wataru Endo in defence.

Despite these challenges, the Liverpool head coach remains focused on stabilising performances and restoring belief across the squad.