Liverpool manager Arne Slott has joked that his side have been “very consistent” in the Premier League this season, but that consistency is linked to losing games.
The Premier League champions lost four straight league games before bouncing back against Aston Villa last weekend, following up with a 1-0 win over Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.
Last month’s slump means Liverpool are currently seven points behind leaders Arsenal in the table, and Slott has admitted his side need to do “the right things” if they are to have a chance of making up the title race.
“We were actually very consistent, but the thing is that we were consistent in losing,” Slott said in a press conference before facing Manchester City on Sunday.
“We have to be consistent in doing things right. Manchester City is one of the toughest away challenges you face in a season. It’s a very exciting game to look forward to.
“When I wasn’t working here and I was in Holland, I knew when the Manchester City-Liverpool match was and I can tell you I was in front of the TV 100% when it happened. These are the few matches that everyone looks forward to.”
The Dutchman added: “My only focus is on ourselves and our focus is on consistency at the moment. We have lost some games, as you know – a lot more than we usually do. But we have now won two games.”
“Our focus is on improving and getting the players back in shape. We will see where that leads.”
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Liverpool could be boosted by the return of Alexander Isak against City, with the striker set to return to training on Friday after being sidelined with a thigh injury.
“He will train for the first time today with the team again after an absence of three weeks,” Slott said. “I said three weeks ago that pre-season was over. It’s time to see where he is now.
“I have to go back to those words because if you are in rehab for three weeks, it doesn’t get you back to the levels you were at three weeks ago. Although our team did a great job, you can’t compare rehab to football matches or training sessions with the team. That’s simply not possible. Again, I have to say give it some time.”
