Liverpool Players Accustomed to Pressure – Arne Slot

Liverpool extended their lead to nine points by beating Manchester City last Sunday, but it was reduced on Wednesday by drawing 3-3 at Newcastle while Chelsea and Arsenal, their closest challengers, both won.

Premier League champions City, meanwhile, are nine points behind the Reds after beating Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. ‘I think if you play for Liverpool, every day you feel pressure because you play at a big club,’ said coach Slot.

‘Everyone expects two things from us: that we win and that we play good football. ‘That is also the good thing: that these players are used to that, so whether we are top of the table, second, third or fourth, people expect us to win and in a certain way. That pressure is always there.

‘If you play or work at this level, you like that pressure for the simple reason that the players are able to do what is expected of them. It is much more difficult if, for example, you have to stay above the relegation zone.

‘We have the quality to do what we are doing at the moment: winning games and playing good football. There is always pressure if you are at a club like Liverpool, like at Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea.’

The match will be Slot’s first derby as Reds coach, but is set to be his last in the league at Goodison Park, with Everton planning to move to their new stadium next season. Slot reviewed Liverpool’s last visit to Goodison in April when, under Jurgen Klopp, they were beaten 2-0 as their title challenge faded.

‘I was a bit surprised after half an hour because Liverpool had the ball most of the time but there were 10 fouls by a Liverpool player and only one by Everton,’ said the Dutchman.

‘We have to be aggressive but in a smart way, especially because they are a big threat on set pieces. If you want to talk tactics, you have to be up to speed with them first.’ There have been 23 red cards in the Merseyside derby during the Premier League era, with 16 for Everton and seven for Liverpool.

Slot added: ‘It will be special for everyone. Being part of this game is already special and being part of the last one at Goodison Park probably makes it even more special. ‘It’s only a good experience if the result goes your way and that’s what we’re focusing on the most.’