Arne Slot says he understands his responsibility to give Liverpool supporters the Premier League title occasion they crave after they missed out on the celebrations last time around.
When Liverpool ended their 30-year wait to be champions in 2019/20, the stands were empty due to the COVID-19 restrictions. Slot wants his team to get over the line in 2024/25 by securing the final point they require against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, with fans enjoying every moment in person.
"It's a big responsibility, because we are aware of the fact the last time this club won the league it was COVID times," Slot said, during his pre-match press conference.
"Everybody is looking forward to Sunday but there's still a job to be done. That is [to win] one point, that's what we know and hopefully our fans know as well.
"I hope that they support us in the best possible way, as they have done all season, and are aware of fact we still need a point. It's a nice game to look forward to."
| Position Pos | Club | Played Pl | GD | Points Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Liverpool
LIV
|
33 | +44 | 79 |
| 2 |
Arsenal
ARS
|
34 | +34 | 67 |
| 3 |
Man City
MCI
|
34 | +23 | 61 |
Liverpool could have been crowned champions on Wednesday night had Crystal Palace won at Arsenal, mathematically putting first place out of the Gunners' reach.
But the dramatic 2-2 draw delayed the title party and Slot revealed the players and staff all met up to watch the match - just in case.
"You're normally alone or with family," he said. "We watched it all together, and it was a game that had a surprise!
"Before the game I would have been surprised if it ended a draw, but during the game I wasn't. Palace showed what this league is all about."
A unique honour
Slot could be about to become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League and he added: "That comes through your mind of course but it's the last thing you think of, as a manager, at this moment in time.
"I saw last week how hard it was to win a game against a [Leicester City] team that was almost relegated. I'm not getting carried away. We've faced Tottenham Hotspur three times already this season so know how hard it is to beat them."
Slot, who hopes defender Joe Gomez could return from injury before the end of the season, says that his first taste of the Premier League certainly hasn't left him disappointed.
On the season, he said: "Everyone can have your opinion, and where we live it's a positive thing you can share it with everyone.
"I can only tell you what I've experienced this season and can say it's never been as exciting for a top-five finish. In my opinion it's a really difficult league, there's not an easy game. But that tells you something about us.
"We're not the only team to find it hard to win a game by two or three goals. Maybe Liverpool and Manchester City and Arsenal aren't as good [as we were], or the other teams have got better."
Liverpool need one point from these five matches
