With just one point needed against Tottenham on Sunday to secure a record-equalling 20th top-flight title, Slot is poised to make history — becoming the first Dutch manager to win the English crown and only the 12th coach ever to do so.
"Never Been So Hard to Win"
Responding to claims that the Premier League might be weaker this season, Slot disagreed, pointing to the intensely competitive race for Champions League spots as proof.
“It has never been so exciting for a top-four, top-five finish,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference. “There has never been an easy game. It has always been really hard to win a game of football.”
Liverpool leads Arsenal by 12 points, while Manchester City, the defending champions, have fallen 18 points adrift after dominating the league for four straight seasons. Slot cited factors such as injuries and mental fatigue for City’s dip but warned against underestimating the overall standard of the league.
Margins Slim, Pressure High
Slot emphasized that while Liverpool have been more dominant in terms of control compared to the Klopp era, comfortable victories have been rare. Of their 24 wins in 33 games, only five have come by a margin of three goals or more.
“So either the teams aren’t so good anymore... or we are still very good and the other teams have the funds to spend just as much, or more,” he noted, acknowledging the financial power spread across the league.
A Chance for Redemption in Front of Fans
Slot reflected on the emotional weight of potentially winning the league at Anfield in front of fans — a stark contrast to Liverpool’s 2020 triumph, which came behind closed doors due to the pandemic.
“We are aware the last time this club won the league, it was Covid time. So everyone is looking forward to Sunday. But we know there is still a job to be done. And that’s one point.”
With the title within reach and the crowd set to roar at Anfield, Slot and his players face a moment steeped in responsibility, anticipation, and legacy.