The Liverpool head coach could point to few positives on Saturday, other than his side not losing by more than four goals. But certain comments will leave fans feeing frustrated
20:49, 04 Apr 2026Updated 20:49, 04 Apr 2026
Liverpool manager Arne Slot
Arne Slot made an odd Manchester City observation after Liverpool's 4-0 loss(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Arne Slot’s post-match verdict on Liverpool didn’t convince in the wake of another devastating performance from his side on Saturday.
Manchester City made light work of the reigning Premier League champions, whose hopes of lifting silverware this season rest solely on the unlikely chance of Champions League success.
The 4-0 mauling at the hands of Pep Guardiola’s side, who were temporarily led by ex-Red Pep Lijnders, was a reminder of just how far Liverpool’s standards have dropped. That Slot admitted post-match he was pleased the scoreline didn’t surpass four told its own story. But it was not the only ill-advised remark from the Dutchman in his post-match press conference.
READ MORE: Pep Ljinders outlines 'hope' for Mohamed Salah minutes after FA Cup penalty missREAD MORE: Liverpool icon claims Arne Slot's players are 'devoid of confidence' following Man City hammering
Slot’s unequivocally honest responses have not necessarily best served Liverpool’s interests this season. This was the case again on Saturday when the former Feyenoord boss acknowledged that his side is regularly being outscored in expected goals (xG), ahead of the midweek trip to European champions Paris Saint-Germain.
“Yeah, that’s for silverware,” explained Slot. “But it’s also very crucial that we qualify for the Champions League of course for next season.
“There are only three or four days to go, so there are a few things you can do and one of the things we need to do if we play against Paris Saint-Germain or against Man City – teams of this level – you need to defend better than we did in the 20 minutes when we conceded the four goals.
Arne Slot
Slot endured another frustrating afternoon in Manchester
“I think no-one will probably remember it but [in] the first 35 minutes there was a lot to like from my team. And it would be nice if we then can score a goal once in a while as well from the chances we create.
“Again, we faced a team that was outperforming their xG by a mile, and that’s what happens constantly. And we every time are under that.
“But if you want to have a chance of beating Paris Saint-Germain, you have to do both parts better.
Mohamed Salah
Slot said Liverpool needed to be more clinical in front of goal
“If you generate chances, you have to score. And you cannot be so easily beaten with the four goals; three, because the penalty was between the other goals we conceded.”
Article continues below
After a game in which Liverpool was so soundly defeated, the decision to highlight City’s overperforming xG numbers felt odd, almost pointless.
For an hour of the quarter-final, the hosts dominated possession and chance creation at the Etihad.
Those who have turned their back on the incumbent Liverpool chief will feel exasperated by such comments.