Slot seeks silverware to save Liverpool’s season

Arne Slot remarked that the "standards at Liverpool are perpetually high" as he aims for success in the FA Cup and Champions League to salvage the club’s season after a disappointing defense of their Premier League title.

Tottenham, who are at risk of relegation, will visit Anfield on Sunday, nearly a year after their last encounter, during which Liverpool clinched the English league title.

Despite investing close to £450 million ($600 million) to enhance their squad in the transfer market, Liverpool enters this weekend in sixth place, trailing leaders Arsenal by 19 points.

Slot’s team also suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 match against Galatasaray earlier this week and now faces a challenging trip to Manchester City in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Nevertheless, the Dutch coach emphasized that the expectations for the English giants should remain unchanged.

"There is a significant difference between our current position and where we were previously, that is evident," Slot stated, referring to the disparity between facing Spurs now and 11 months ago.

"The standards at Liverpool are always high; they have always been high and will continue to be high," he added. "We are a top club. The expectations should be elevated by those around us, but we will maintain those high standards ourselves.

"This season, while we are unable to reclaim the league title, we are still competing in two cup competitions — the Champions League and the FA Cup."

Slot may have Alisson Becker returning to goal on Sunday after the Brazilian goalkeeper missed the trip to Istanbul due to a minor muscle injury.

However, he confirmed that club-record signing Alexander Isak is not yet nearing a return to play after fracturing a fibula in December.

Liverpool is currently tied on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and three points behind both Manchester United and Aston Villa, who will clash at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Tottenham’s situation is even more critical as they find themselves just one point above the relegation zone.

Spurs have set an undesirable club record by losing their last six matches across all competitions.
Under-fire interim boss Igor Tudor is set to remain in charge for the trip to Anfield.