Arne Slot Warns Liverpool to Stop “Making a Habit” of Costly Defeats

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has urged his players to end their alarming run of defeats, warning that they cannot afford to “make a habit” of losing games they should be winning. The Reds have now suffered six defeats in their last seven matches, including four consecutive losses in the Premier League –  a disastrous spell that has thrown their title defense into crisis.

Liverpool’s latest setback came in midweek when a youthful side was beaten 3–0 by Crystal Palace in the League Cup. The Dutch manager’s decision to rest several key players drew criticism from fans and pundits alike. However, Slot defended his rotation strategy, insisting it was necessary to protect his injury-hit squad ahead of a demanding fixture schedule.

“It has nothing to do with squad depth,” Slot said on Friday. “We’ve had many injuries and availability issues. I must take care of some players, but we still have enough quality to win our next matches.”

Liverpool are missing several key names, including Alisson Becker, Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong, while Ryan Gravenberch has only just returned to training after an ankle injury. Slot’s selection decisions are further complicated by three major games in just eight days. Aston Villa’s visit to Anfield on Saturday, Real Madrid’s Champions League clash on Tuesday and a showdown with Manchester City next Sunday.

Five matches into the season, Villa trailed Liverpool by 12 points. Yet now, the two sides are level on points, separated only by goal difference. Villa’s resurgence under Unai Emery has coincided with Liverpool’s dramatic dip in form – a contrast Slot highlighted as a lesson for his players.

“Villa showed how fast things can change,” he noted. “That’s what the Premier League is;  tough, competitive and unpredictable. Apart from Arsenal, most teams are close in points. You can’t afford to waste chances or lose momentum.”

The Liverpool boss admitted his side often dominate matches but fail to convert their superiority into results. “We’ve created more chances than our opponents in most games,” he said. “But we must stop making a habit of not winning when we should.”

Liverpool now face a crucial week that could define their season.