Liverpool will spend Christmas in the Premier League’s top six after back-to-back wins improved the appearance of the table.
The Reds had dropped as low as 14th during October and November, and had looked likely to be even further off the pace by the time Santa Claus came to town.
Though things have improved slightly, Liverpool will still be 10 points behind leaders Arsenal on Christmas Day.
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Virgil van Dijk lifts the Premier League trophy surrounded by Liverpool players on the final day of the 2024/25 season at Anfield.
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While that will have to satisfy them for the time being, Liverpool fans are not happy with their team despite some better results. Arne Slot should still be considered under pressure at Anfield, with supporters scrutinising every decision he makes.
One thing fans have not liked about Slot is his love of giving the Liverpool squad extra time off. And in the run up to Christmas, captain Virgil van Dijk has confirmed that he and his teammates are set for another bonus day this Thursday.
Liverpool players given Christmas Day off
In a change to the festive schedule this year, there will be only one Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League.
While fans will be disappointed at the loss of aN age-old tradition, it does mean that players are not as needed at training on Christmas Day.
Liverpool players celebrate after Hugo Ekitike scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match vs Tottenham Hotspur
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Slot has clearly taken this to heart, and with Liverpool not playing Wolves until Saturday, the Dutch coach has let his team take Christmas off.
“We have Christmas Day off which is very nice of the staff,” Van Dijk. said via BBC Sport. “It’s a nice change. I’ll be at home Christmas Eve too and I’m really looking forward to it.
“The staff always have a particular plan for a game. It works well for everyone. It’s special to be off on Christmas Day. I don’t think it’s happened in my Premier League career so far. I’ll make the most of being with my family and enjoy it all.”
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Liverpool fans may not be happy with Arne Slot decision
It is nice for Liverpool players to spend Christmas with their families, nobody should be denying that. But for Van Dijk to reiterate just how rare that is makes it a bad look for Slot.
There is a reason other managers get their team in on Christmas Day. It is not to make them feel bad or to punish them in any way, but to prepare them for a game the day after.
Liverpool have played on the 27th December before. In fact, they played on the 28th in 2021. Van Dijk’s admission confirms that Jurgen Klopp still had his players at the AXA Training Centre on Christmas Day.
In isolation, of course fans should not protest at players being able to relax and enjoy a special day with the people close to them, but when added together with Slot’s holidaying plans of the past – plus the team’s disappointing season – it starts to paint a frustrating picture.
Many fans around the world will be forced to work on Christmas Day. And while they, like everyone, deserve the chance for a rest, the multi-millionaires being given one more day off may not sit well with the whole fanbase.
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