Liverpool Football Club head coach Arne Slot has said that Sunday’s fixture against Manchester United is a very crucial one, as both teams battle to cement their UEFA Champions League qualification, news.ng reports.
Liverpool are coming into Sunday’s fixture on the back of three consecutive victories over Crystal Palace, Everton, and Fulham, after recent inconsistencies in the Premier League left them in fourth position with 58 points.
Meanwhile, Slot, at a pre-match press conference on Friday, admitted to journalists that every game played—win or loss—will affect their position, adding that Sunday’s encounter with Man United will be a big one, especially as they face the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
He said, “I think it’s always like that, every game you play has an influence on your league position. So that’s not only when you play Man United, it’s every week in every game.
“But we are aware of the fact that it’s a very big game, not only because we play Man United, but definitely also to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table, which of course is something we want. We wanted to, of course, win the league. That’s not possible.”
“And then you have to try to end up as high as possible, and that’s what we are trying week in, week out, and that’s what we’re going to try Sunday again as well.”
On players’ readiness, the Liverpool boss disclosed that one of their key stars, Mohamed Salah, will unfortunately not be available due to fitness issues, but assured that the Egypt international will be back for the final fixtures of the season.
“That’s what he’s trying now so well. Usually, he’s earlier fit than other players after a minor injury – because he has a minor injury. We expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season, but not for Sunday,” Slot added.
On the other hand, Man United interim manager, Michael Carrick, while providing an update ahead of Sunday’s showdown, said his team are in good shape, with the possibility of Matheus Cunha featuring.
“We’re in good shape, really,” Carrick told journalists during his pre-match press conference at Carrington on Friday afternoon.
“Matheus has done a little bit of work, so we’re hopeful. We’re not sure, but we’re hopeful.”
