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Arne Slott says Liverpool have made “too many” mistakes and there is no room for error in the Premier League as he prepares for a crucial test against Newcastle.
The Reds secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 6-0 win over Qarabag on Wednesday but sit sixth in the top flight ahead of Saturday’s clash at Anfield.
Victory in midweek would be a welcome boost for Liverpool, who suffered a 3-2 defeat at Bournemouth in their last league game, but Slott insists there is no room for error if the club wants to secure a top-four finish this season.
Liverpool’s Alexis Mike Allister celebrates his team’s fifth goal
“We already think every period is critical. That hasn’t changed,” he told a pre-match press conference.
“The closer you get to the end, the less opportunity you have to make mistakes. We are now in a position where we cannot afford any mistakes; we have made too many.
“Conceding a goal at the last minute doesn’t do any justice to the performance. There’s not much room for error anymore.”
Slaughter added: “Every game is important but the way we are positioned now makes every game more crucial. That’s what we want to achieve (top four).”
“We’ve experienced how difficult it is against Newcastle; it’s always a difficult game but for them too.
“Home games at Anfield are always something to look forward to.”
Liverpool have no recognized right-back
Liverpool will be without a recognized right-back against Newcastle after Slott confirmed Jeremy Frimpong will join Connor Bradley on the sidelines, who limped off against Qarabag.
“He’s definitely not going to be in the team tomorrow,” Slaughter added.
Liverpool’s Jeremy Frimpong went off injured early in the first half
“He’s been out for a couple of weeks, but it’s not as bad as we initially thought. So, we can take some positives out of the not-so-positive things.”
Slott remained tight-lipped on any potential investment when asked whether Frimpong’s injury would prompt reinforcements before the January transfer window closes on Monday.
He continued: “I think you know the answer. The answer is, if we think a player can help us and we think it’s possible, we’ll do it. Those conversations don’t happen in this room.”
“I gave the answer I gave. If that means it’s possible or unlikely, then fine. Monday will probably be a quiet day. Do you want to play golf?”
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Liverpool boss Arne Slott has spoken of the impact of Jeremy Frimpong’s injury, stressing that the club must make “sensible” decisions in the transfer market.
Jones and Konate return, but who will play at right back?
Wataru Endo served as makeshift full-back in Qarabag’s win, but Slaughter has previously used Curtis Jones and Dominic Szoboszlai in that position.
Jones is available after recovering, but Joe Gomez remains out. “Curtis can play, but Joe can’t, but not for long,” Slaughter said.
Regarding Ibrahima Konate, who left the team due to medical leave, he added: “He trained with us yesterday (Thursday) and he will be in the team tomorrow (Saturday).”
Slaughter then provided an update on Alexander Isak’s recovery from breaking his leg in December, confirming it will be “a while” before he returns to the court.
“He hasn’t even come on yet. I think it’s called a walker and he just got off the walker,” Dutch said.
“That tells you he’s not on the pitch and isn’t expected to be on the pitch today or tomorrow. As we understand it, it’s going to be a while before he comes back.”
