Arne Slot: Liverpool can't be complacent against 'special' Girona

By SABC Sport
10th December 2024

Liverpool, who are on the brink of securing a place in the last-16 of the Champions League, will face Girona on Tuesday night.

The Reds are currently top of their group, having won all five of their opening fixtures, marking a unique achievement as the only team to do so this season.

With progression already guaranteed to the extra play-off round, Liverpool now need just one win from their remaining three games against Girona, Lille, and PSV Eindhoven to secure a top-eight finish.

A top-eight finish would provide significant benefits for Liverpool, including avoiding extra fixtures in their already packed schedule.

The upcoming match against Girona in Spain is expected to be another three points for the Merseysiders, further strengthening their position.

However, head coach Arne Slot remains cautious, refusing to get ahead of himself despite the impressive run.

In his pre-match press conference, Slot discussed the importance of finishing top of the group and also provided updates on key players.

"I think it is really special what they've done here, particularly last season but even this season still.

"I've just made the comparison [in another interview] that they were close to becoming the Leicester City of [Spain] a few years ago [when] they were competing for the league title. With this budget, it probably means how good a manager Michel is.

"Even this season, I think they do better than the results might look, especially in the Champions League.

"I have seen almost every game and apart from the PSV game, they were in every game. They were unlucky against Paris Saint-Germain, I think they were a bit unlucky here against my former club Feyenoord when they conceded two own goals and missed a penalty, although Feyenoord missed one as well.

"So, they were in every game apart from the PSV Eindhoven one and that's why we have to be on top of our game tomorrow to get a result over here."

Alisson Becker's return from injury was confirmed, while Slot also addressed the postponed Merseyside derby against Everton, which has yet to be rescheduled.