Arne Slot is insisting he isn't focusing on Liverpool's title ambitions as the Reds prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the weekend, but is refusing to give up on retaining the title.
His team dominated the Premier League last season, but that momentum has vanished this time around. Liverpool has already suffered five defeats in just 11 games— one more than during their entire title-winning run last season. Slot spoke on Friday morning to offer updates on possible transfer targets, as well as react to Andy Robertson's emotional Diogo Jota quotes.
The Reds head back into action after the international break on the back of five losses in their last six league outings. Their most recent match, a 3–0 defeat to Manchester City, leaves them eight points behind leaders Arsenal. Liverpool’s difficult run has also sparked questions about Slot’s leadership and the form of several key players this season.
Speaking ahead of the Forest game, the Dutchman insisted he is more focused on winning games rather than whether or not his team will win the Premier League. "I think I've said many times, at this moment in time i'm not even thinking about talking about it" said Slot.
"Actually we did this last season when we were top of the league, it's just about the next game. I've said many times last season and this season as well, the best way to judge a league table is after 38 games.
"The next best thing in my opinion is after 19 games. Let's see where we are then. At this moment of time the only focus is on winning games of football, which is the same as last season."
Slot would be hoping for his team to turn it around against Sean Dyche's side, however his hopes have been dealt a double blow.
Conor Bradley and Florian Wirtz are the latest players to face injury setbacks, though goalkeeper Alisson Becker could make his return this weekend.
Arne Slot
Arne Slot will be hoping his team can turn it around against Forest (Image: Getty Images)
Slot admitted it would be a “miracle” for Bradley to be back in the next few weeks—a major blow given that fellow full-back Jeremie Frimpong is also sidelined.
Wirtz’s situation is slightly more positive, but the Germany international still won’t be ready to feature on Saturday. Alisson, who hasn’t played since coming off against Galatasaray in September, has been back in training as he continues his recovery from a hamstring issue.
Slot added: "Andy Robertson will be with us today. Alisson trained last week and this week so he will be able to play if things work out today.
"But we do have some issues after the international break. Conor Bradley is unable to play, Florian Wirtz unable to play. That is far from ideal."
Alexander Isak, meanwhile, is still rebuilding his fitness after a recent setback. Having arrived on deadline day, Liverpool has yet to see the Swede at his best.