Liverpool manager Arne Slot was far from pleased with his team’s performance, despite securing a 1-0 victory over Girona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Mohamed Salah’s first-half penalty, awarded after Donny van de Beek fouled Luis Díaz, was enough to maintain Liverpool’s perfect record in the competition and all but secure their place in the knockout stages with two matches remaining. However, Slot was openly critical of his team’s display, indicating that the result did not meet his high standards.
“I’m far from pleased,” Slot admitted when speaking to the media after the match. “The performance tonight didn’t reflect what I expect.” While the win continued Liverpool’s strong Champions League run, Slot expressed frustration with his team’s overall performance.
“If you ask me about all the six games, I’m really pleased with all the results, but I’m far from pleased about the performance tonight,” Slot continued.
Liverpool’s defense showed improvements following their 3-3 draw against Newcastle in their previous league match, but Girona’s former Premier League attackers, Bryan Gil and Arnaut Danjuma, still caused problems. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s attacking play appeared lackluster throughout the contest.
Slot highlighted the lack of intensity from his players, especially early in the match, suggesting that Liverpool were lucky not to be punished more.
“We had hardly any control at all over the game. Maybe the second half was a bit better – I’m trying to be positive,” he said.
Liverpool’s victory, combined with Inter Milan’s late defeat to Bayer Leverkusen, gave them a five-point lead at the top of the group stage table. A draw between Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday would further solidify their position, with one more win guaranteeing them top spot in the group.
If results go their way, Liverpool could also mathematically guarantee a top-eight finish, which would send them directly to the round of 16 in March. However, teams finishing in 9th to 24th place will have to compete in a play-off round in February.
Despite the win, Slot’s comments highlight his belief that Liverpool’s performance must improve if they are to compete at the highest level in the competition.
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