Arne Slot Says Reds Know “Performances Have Fallen Short of Our Standard”

The last time Liverpool’s form ticked up in the midst of their October and December struggles, with back to back wins over Real Madrid in Europe and Aston Villa in the Premier League, there was an immediate embrace of the feeling that the Reds had found their feet.

That was the message promoted by the players and manager, amplified by the media, and picked up by fans just desperate to believe the club had got their season back on track. Following a win against West Ham on Sunday, the mood this time around is far more muted.

“No one will need me to tell them that our last two performances in front of our fans have fallen short of the desired standard,” manager Arne Slot noted ahead of Wednesday’s kickoff against Sunderland in a rare mid-week league game under the lights at Anfiled.

“Without wishing to dwell too much on those matches, this is clearly something that we need to change. The word ‘standard’ is key. It’s about the level that we set for ourselves last season and the expectations the club has set for itself for many, many years previously.

“This is the way it has always been and it is also definitely the way it is right now. Sunday’s victory at West Ham was a step in the right direction after a difficult period. It was not the greatest game a Liverpool team has ever played, but it was the performance that was required.”

Not perfect, but improved. Not the end point, but a step in the right direction. A victory. A clean sheet. Limiting the opposition’s chances and avoiding the mental lapses, individuals and sometimes even the entire team switching off, that have plagued the side this season.

Now they have to do that again—or preferably go one step better—against Sunderland. Then again against Leeds on Saturday, then Inter Milan on Tuesday. Then, maybe, we can talk about Liverpool finding their feet and getting their season on track. But first, Sunderland.