Arne Slot conceded Liverpool’s first-half performance at Nottingham Forest was the “worst” they have played, as he revealed what his message was at half-time.
Liverpool managed just two shots, none on target in the first half, mustering an xG of 0.06, and only three touches in the opposition box.
The Reds lacked energy compared to a side that played in Turkey on Thursday night, but had fortune favour them at the death for three undeserved, but valuable points.
There was no beating around the bush among supporters as to what they thought of the performance, and Slot was just as honest in his post-match press conference as he divulged what was said at the break.
What Arne Slot said at half-time during Forest vs. Liverpool
“[I told them at half-time] that it was the worst first half that we’ve played,” Slot said without hesitation.
“But we defended our box really well, and that was the reason that we were still nil-nil.
“As much as Forest were the better team and were forcing us to go back, we defended really well in our box, in my opinion.
“We had to defend lots of set-pieces throughout the whole game, especially in the first half, so if we could bring that mentality to the whole pitch, combined with doing a few things better on the ball and maybe not lose every ball you touch, because that was almost what happened, then you know that these players can do better.
“I tried to give them a bit of energy to say, ‘Yeah, they’ve played Thursday, difficult away game, maybe they run out of energy, and we, for sure, cannot have run out of energy yet’.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - Sunday, February 22, 2026: Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike and Alexis Mac Allister celebrate after the FA Premier League match between Nottingham Forest FC and Liverpool FC at the City Ground. The game ended 0-1/ (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“So maybe that can balance the game more, or get the game in our advantage.
“I pointed out our second half against City as well, that we are able, after a first half that was maybe not of the standards we would like, to play much better [in the] second.”
Liverpool did ask more questions of Forest in the second half, with eight shots, four on target, and 13 touches in the opposition box, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the winner at the second opportunity.
Slot conceded “a draw would’ve been a fairer result,” while the goalscorer admitted he didn’t “think we played very well,” but neither will complain about three much-needed points.
Liverpool, again, have a free midweek to prepare for West Ham‘s visit on Saturday, and there will be no acceptable excuses for another sluggish opening.