We’ve become quite experienced in negativity

Liverpool’s recent struggles have sparked concerns, with manager Arne Slot emphasizing the need for sustained performance to challenge Paris St-Germain in the Champions League. The team’s 15th defeat of the season came after a 4-0 loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup, prompting captain Virgil van Dijk to question his teammates’ effort.

“You shouldn’t give up, and that’s maybe, at a certain point, what happened,” van Dijk remarked following the match, highlighting the team’s shortcomings in maintaining focus.

The Dutch coach warned that without a complete 90-minute performance, Liverpool risks another heavy defeat. Their upcoming quarter-final first leg against PSG in Paris on Wednesday presents a pivotal test, with Slot stressing the importance of consistency throughout the game.

“I didn’t see players giving up, but it’s good for a captain to have a strong reaction,” Slot said at a press conference in Paris. “This year, we’ve been quite experienced in negativity. The FA Cup quarter-final loss was a significant moment, especially against our rivals.”

Liverpool’s defensive collapse against City, where they conceded four goals in under 20 minutes either side of halftime, has left Slot wary. “If we have the same 20 minutes as against City here tomorrow, we’ll face another four-goal setback,” he cautioned, urging his players to match their early-season intensity.

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Last April, Liverpool celebrated a Premier League title triumph, but this April, they’re battling to secure their season. Despite last year’s success under Slot’s leadership, the pressure mounts to deliver European football next season, either by winning the Champions League or qualifying via the Premier League.

Florian Wirtz, the Germany playmaker, expressed confidence in Slot’s ability to guide the team. “The team should believe in the manager because they won the league last season, and we’ve had many good games this campaign,” he stated. “We wanted it to be better, but we still have things to play for.”

Slot acknowledged the challenge of maintaining high performance under pressure. “The answer is already in the history of Liverpool,” he said. “This group has shown many times they can bounce back from setbacks, and this club has done it repeatedly over the years. My team has proven their ability to compete with Europe’s top teams.”

PSG, meanwhile, continues to dominate Premier League sides. Since last season began, they’ve defeated Manchester City, Aston Villa, Arsenal (twice), Tottenham, Chelsea (twice), and Liverpool. Recent victories, including an 8-2 aggregate win over Chelsea, suggest they’re regaining their form.

With Alexander Isak, Liverpool’s £125m record signing, set to return after recovering from ankle surgery, the squad has options. Slot hinted at potential changes, with Jeremie Frimpong and Alexis Mac Allister in line for recalls. Latest Liverpool news, analysis, and fan views: Ask about Liverpool – what do you want to know?