Liverpool vs Manchester United: Arne Slot's Honest Assessment

Arne Slot aims to turn tide against Manchester United

The Reds are looking to bounce back. Arne Slot previews Liverpool's match against Manchester United, discussing tactics, form, and expectations.

“I think what we can say is if we compare to last season, we don't create as many chances but the most xG, chances and shots on target...”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is urging fans to rally behind the team as they face Manchester United on Sunday. The Reds have lost three consecutive games, and Slot acknowledges that his team needs to improve in several areas.

“We don't create as many chances as we did last season, but we're still the team that creates the most xG chances and shots on target from open play,” Slot said. However, they've conceded too many goals, with nine in their last three games, including four from set pieces.

Slot emphasized that his players don't wake up at night worrying about their form, but they need to be aware of the situation and respond. “If you've lost three games in a row and you wear the Liverpool shirt, it doesn't matter who your opponent is, you have to react,” he said, calling for a spark from his team and the fans.

The Liverpool boss also highlighted the need for his team to defend crosses better, noting that they're conceding too many long balls compared to last season. Virgil van Dijk's comments about teams facing them differently this season resonated with Slot, who believes Liverpool needs to find answers to this tactical shift.

"A very interesting game and a game to look forward to" 💬

Arne Slot ahead of #LIVMUN ⤵️

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2025

The Dutchman said: “I think what we can say is if we compare to last season, we don't create as many chances but the most xG, chances and shots on target but we've conceded too many goals. Nine goals and four from set pieces, not a reflection of chances we've conceded.

“Other five were fast breaks, three from open play. Conceding too many crosses, we have to address that and do better. Like Virgil (van Dijk) says, I think he means this that teams are facing us differently. That is also what I have said, long balls compared to last season, already one third of the way through compared to last season after seven games. We have to find answers.”

He continued: “I think it should not matter who we play on Sunday. If you've lost three in a row and you wear the LFC shirt, you have to react. The players give it all every game first to last minute, in three games we had to come back from a goal down, did it twice, but we lost. There should always be a reaction, not only from Mo but all.”

Slot Defends Salah Amidst Struggling Attack

Liverpool manager Arne Slot doesn't pin the blame on Mohamed Salah for the team's poor form, despite the Egyptian's slow start to the season. “You can't blame Mo just for that,” Slot said, emphasizing that the entire team needs to improve. Liverpool's attack has been struggling to create chances, with only seven goals in their last four games, a stark contrast to their tally of 35 goals in the same number of games last season. Slot acknowledged that his team needs to create more scoring opportunities and be more clinical in front of goal.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes Alexander Isak is ready to prove himself after missing pre-season due to injury. Slot feels Isak has been working hard and is now ready to contribute, having finally started to train fully with the team.

“When you miss pre-season, it's always difficult,” Slot noted, but added that Isak is “ready to prove himself” and show what he's capable of. With Isak's talent and determination, Slot expects him to make a positive impact.

He said: “He has had five or six weeks of pre-season, which is normal. Fitness-wise wise he is close to the level and we can judge in a fair way from now on. I know how this industry works, if he plays twice and doesn't score, that's not what you want. But he didn't and I think his pre-season has maybe finished now, he has played a few games, 70-80 mins. So let's see where he is.”

Liverpool manager Arne Slot also addressed midfielder Alexis Mac Allister's candid admission about his own disappointing form this season. Mac Allister has been honest about not meeting his high standards, but Slot is unfazed, citing the midfielder's crucial role in the team.

“Jersey's (Mac Allister) been an incredible player for us, one of the best players in the league last year,” Slot said, highlighting Mac Allister's importance to the team. He expressed confidence in Mac Allister's ability to bounce back and perform at a high level, emphasizing that one or two bad games don't define a player of his caliber.

He said, “I haven't seen his interview but did he mean the quality of play or amount of minutes? He missed a lot of games, we expected him back for pre-season, which he wasn't and that led to the fact he couldn't play three in a row, so he was in and out and that is never ideal for a player.

“Like all the others, he is a player who has experienced so much in his career he will be back at the level he and I want from now on.”

Slot Sees United Clash as Opportunity

Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes the hype surrounding the Manchester United match can be a positive force for his team. He sees it as a big game that can help his players shake off their current form slump. Slot is confident that the excitement and energy surrounding the fixture will motivate his team to perform well.

He said, “I look forward even more to Man Utd, I know how special a game it is. The most watched all over the world, so special to be a part of it, we have to be at our best. United had a better start than table is showing, so very interesting game, especially as it's at Anfield. The fans have always been supportive. A team that lost three in a row, we need to be ready, but the fans need to and will help us.”

The Dutchman continued: “These players might need me but I don't think they do to tell them what has happened. we have lost three by very close margins. Twice in the last minute, one was a penalty, we should have overturned it on VAR. We should not depend on the margins. Chelsea away is normal, it is an equal game, part of it, but results don't lie. 

“If you lose three in a row, you have to do better. These players don't wake up at night with it, but we have to be aware of it and give a reaction. We have to create habits if we win or lose but after three losses, you hope for a spark or one or two per cent more from us and our fans on Sunday.

“I assume everyone is talking about the run now, I don't know. It's just the situation as it is. Better to have the next game again rather than talk about it for two weeks. What I like about top players, you don't notice anything if they win 3 or lose, they just prepare themselves in the same time the same way, outside world is focused on results and us as well, we don't deny them here - we need to do better. Ten games have been equal, and we are trying to work every day to make the gap bigger.”

"Here we go, here we go!" 👊

Catch all the action from today's training as the Reds returned in preparation for #LIVMUN 🎬

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 17, 2025