Arne Slot has played down the optimism around Liverpool’s Premier League title chances and says Manchester City’s plight shows how quickly a season can change.
The Reds moved seven points clear at the top of the table, and 14 clear of the struggling champions, as goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah clinched a 3-1 win over Leicester following second-placed Chelsea’s loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.
The gap will be reduced to six points if Arsenal beat Ipswich on Friday night, but Slot’s side also have a game in hand – even if their head coach is taking nothing for granted.
In his press conference after the win over Leicester, Slot used Manchester City’s dismal form as an example of how things can unravel, with Pep Guardiola’s side having only won one of their last 12 games in all competitions following their 1-1 draw with Everton.
Asked if it’s Liverpool’s title to lose, Slot said: “If you’re in this game for a long time like these players are, or I am, then you know that, 20 games before the end, you don’t look at it that way.
“There are so many challenges still ahead. It was only two months ago that we were one point behind City and look what has happened there in terms of injuries, then a bit of bad luck, and a suspension. This can happen to any team.”
Slot also played down the idea that Liverpool are cruising towards the title, saying they have had no “easy wins” this season.
“It’s far too early to already be celebrating but it is of course nice for us to be the team we are. We know we are able to do this. But I don’t think there was any easy win for us in all these games.
“It could have been an easy win against Tottenham but then we conceded two and it was 5-3.
“That tells you how difficult it is to win if all your players are available, let alone if somewhere during the season you pick up some injuries or suspensions.
“That’s why we have to take it one game at a time.
“It’s important to win, I felt like we should win, but then I also had the same feeling against Fulham and Nottingham Forest so you always have to do a lot in the Premier League.
“The table is something we are aware of but we also understand how many games are still to play.”
