Arne Slot faced some very tough questions after Liverpool FC’s heavy 4-0 defeat to Manchester City, and the Dutch manager admitted that in the crucial moments of the game, his players simply did not do the basics well enough.
It was always going to be a difficult press conference after Liverpool were knocked out of the FA Cup in such a heavy defeat, but this was a rare occasion where Slot was really grilled by journalists about his team’s performance, effort and mentality.
“Effort Comes First”
When asked about Liverpool failing to do the basics, Slot initially disagreed with the suggestion that his players weren’t working hard overall, but he did admit that when you look at the goals Liverpool conceded, the problems were very clear.
He pointed out that for the goals:
Runners were not followed Crosses were not blocked Duels in the box were not won Defending in key moments was not good enough
Slot admitted that in the 20-minute spell where Liverpool conceded four goals, the defending and effort levels in key moments were “absolutely not good enough.”
He also made an interesting comment saying that effort comes first, suggesting that in those decisive moments, City simply wanted it more and were sharper.
The Game Changed After The First Goal
Slot also spoke about how the game changed after Liverpool went 1-0 down. He said it was crucial at that moment to make sure the team went into half-time only 1-0 down, but instead Liverpool conceded again just before the break, which effectively killed the game.
He suggested that sometimes players try too hard to get back into the game quickly instead of making sure they stay defensively solid first.
It was a clear hint that game management and mentality were not good enough in those key moments.
Mentality Questions Again
One of the big questions Slot was asked was whether Liverpool struggle mentally when they go behind in games.
He admitted mentality could be part of the problem, especially because this has happened several times this season where Liverpool concede one goal and then quickly concede again.
He made it very clear though that mentality can never be an excuse when you play for Liverpool.
He basically said:
If you play for this club, going 1-0 down is never an excuse not to run, fight and do your job.
Big Response Needed Now
Slot also pointed towards the upcoming game against Paris Saint-Germain, saying Liverpool will face top players again and must make it much more difficult for the opposition than they did against Manchester City.
After a defeat like this, words are one thing — but now Liverpool need a response on the pitch.
Because admitting the basics weren’t good enough is one thing.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
The Kopite View 
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