Liverpool’s tie against Qarabag will give Jeremie Frimpong the chance to rectify the weekend’s performance and get back to the dazzling attacking form he has shown since the turn of the year.
Frimpong was superb against Marseille last week, but not so much at the weekend.
That’s the story of the season for Liverpool — inconsistency.
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Will Liverpool beat Qarabag and qualify for the last-16?
The Azerbaijani's have a poor record against English teams
Qarabag players line up for a squad picture before their UEFA Champions League match against Ajax at Tofiq Bahramov Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Resul Rehimov/Anadolu).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Resul Rehimov/Anadolu
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The inability to go on a proper run of good performances has left many fans questioning the manager, and what Liverpool can actually expect to achieve this season.
Jeremie Frimpong outlines ‘success’ for Liverpool this season
It’s only January, but it’s fair to say retaining the Premier League is a long shot at this stage.
The gap to the leading pack, paired with the apparent inability to maintain a consistent level, offers little in the way of encouragement.
But Liverpool have other chances at silverware.
Frimpong was asked at his press conference what he would consider a successful campaign now.
Mohamed Salah shares an embrace with Jeremie Frimpong during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid at Anfield.
Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
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He responded: “Well, we’re still in the FA Cup. We’re still in the Champions League. So obviously, if we win the FA Cup and Champions League, we’ll be really happy.”
It’s an obvious answer, but it’s the right one. It really feels like nothing but a trophy will save Slot from a summer sacking, and the players share in that responsibility.
Obviously, a Champions League trophy would place the Dutchman among the very best managers of Liverpool’s history, despite his waning popularity. A question to ponder is: Would the FA Cup be enough?
What does Arne Slot have to do to still be at Liverpool next season?
FSG are ‘firmly’ behind the manager 👀
Arne Slot on Liverpool future
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Mohamed Salah and Jeremie Frimpong need to gel
When Liverpool thrashed Marseille 3-0, there was a cohesion between Frimpong and Mo Salah that offered encouragement.
The play has been so flat at times, but the right flank has been an area in which Liverpool can make things happen. A big part of that is Frimpong’s take-on ability and blistering pace.
Salah has been underwhelming since returning from AFCON, but we know how good he is. Being able to play both will be important for Slot as he looks for low-block solutions and to inject some life back into a dejected fanbase.
Hopefully, we see the two linking up against Qarabag and looking the threats we know them to be.
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