Joe Gomez said that there was a greater emphasis on defense as Liverpool went into Sunday's Premier League game against West Ham off the back of a torrid run of results.
In the Reds' three previous games, they had conceded 10 goals, and Slot's men have already shipped more than 30 goals in all competitions since the start of the season. Liverpool's clean sheet against West Ham was just the team's fifth in 21 games this season, and Gomez said that the team's defensive solidity in East London provided the attackers with a platform to win the game.
“The quality of the team is never going to just dissipate," Gomez told club media. "There was definitely emphasis on trying to have a solid foundation and just trying to keep a clean sheet.
“We know we have so much quality going forward that things will happen, the boys will get chances and they can take them.”
Gomez's start against West Ham was his first in the Premier League since December – the 28-year-old missed the second half of last season due to a serious injury, and although he has been in all of the gameday squads in the top flight since the start of this season, a knee problem has restricted him to cameo appearances.
Despite not playing very often, Gomez outlined his role as one of the senior players in the squad.
“I think it’s trying to keep a positive energy, trying to influence the boys in the right way," Gomez said of his responsibilities.
“Setting an example on a training pitch, being positive, just keeping the mood [up], trying to keep overall balance on amongst the boys, speaking to the younger lads and just saying, ‘Keep going’.
Gomez applauds Liverpool's fans after the win at West Ham
Gomez applauds Liverpool's fans after the win at West Ham (Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
“Sometimes it’s a small positive comment that can just lift them and keep them in a good place. Just know that I’m here for them. All of us are here for you. We’re all supporting each other, and we’re in this together.
“We’re a squad, and these moments when we come through it will only make us stronger and build resilience. We all do what we can.”
On being handed a first start of the season, Gomez added: “It means a lot to me.
“Last time I was here it’s where I got my first injury, but I do everything I can to stay available and try to help the squad, that’s the main thing.
“The main thing is us sticking together, it’s a tough schedule now, back-to-back, and we’ve just got to go again, and we’ll do that.”