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Slot expressed frustration, particularly with Liverpool’s lack of intensity in the first half. However, Slot was full of praise for goalie Alisson’s on his return to the lineup. The Brazilian goalkeeper made several key saves, proving his importance to the team.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot (AP)
Liverpool secured their sixth consecutive Champions League win with a 1-0 victory over Girona. Mohamed Salah’s second-half penalty sealed the game, virtually guaranteeing the Reds a spot in the last 16. Despite the victory, manager Arne Slot was not pleased with his team’s performance.
Slot expressed frustration, particularly with Liverpool’s lack of intensity in the first half. Alisson, returning after 11 games, made several crucial saves to keep the Reds in the game. Girona showed their ability to create opportunities, forcing Liverpool to defend deeply in the opening 45 minutes.
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Speaking after the match, Slot said, “If you ask me about all the six games, I’m pleased with the results. But tonight’s performance? Far from pleased.”
He pinpointed two major issues. “We didn’t press intensely enough. Against a team like Girona, who knows how to play out from the back, you can’t wait a few seconds to apply pressure. If you do, they can cause problems,” Slot explained.
He also praised Girona’s overall quality. “They’ve shown their ability throughout the Champions League, except against PSV. I almost feel sorry for them because they deserve more from their performances,” Slot added.
Liverpool improved slightly in the second half but still struggled to dominate. Slot admitted, “Maybe the second half was a bit better – I’m trying to be positive. But we had hardly any control over the game.”
Despite his criticism, Slot was full of praise for Alisson’s return to the lineup. The Brazilian goalkeeper made several key saves, proving his importance to the team. Slot joked, “I thought the players wanted to test how fit he was by giving him so much work.”
Alisson’s performance reaffirmed his position as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper. Slot emphasised, “He showed today why I’ve always said he’s our number one. It’s nothing against Caoimhin [Kelleher]; he did so well in Alisson’s absence.”
With this win, Liverpool moved closer to the Champions League knockout stages. Slot’s comments highlight that the Reds have to improve their performances to compete at the highest level in the upcoming rounds.
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United Kingdom (UK)
- First Published:
December 11, 2024, 13:59 IST
News sports » football Liverpool Boss Arne Slot ‘Far From Pleased’ With Reds’ UCL Win Over Girona
