Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes his side carries a “huge responsibility” to deliver the Premier League title in front of their loyal supporters when they host Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield this Sunday.
With just five matches remaining, the Reds need only one point to secure their 20th English top-flight title—equaling the all-time record held by rivals Manchester United. Victory or even a draw against struggling Spurs would seal the deal in front of what promises to be an electrifying Anfield crowd.
Redemption in Front of the Kop
Liverpool’s last title, won during the pandemic-affected 2019-20 season, lacked the atmosphere fans and players craved, as COVID-19 restrictions kept Anfield empty. This time, Slot emphasized, the players are determined to celebrate alongside their fans.
“It’s a big responsibility. We all know the last title was lifted behind closed doors. Now, everyone’s looking forward to Sunday,” Slot told reporters.
“We need at least one point, and our fans have to be with us—just as they’ve done throughout the season.”
Slot is mindful of the emotional weight tied to the occasion, especially with the next game being an away fixture at Chelsea. A home title win would be the ultimate celebration.
A Title in Waiting
Liverpool came close to wrapping things up early when Arsenal stumbled to a 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace midweek. Had Palace won, Liverpool would already be champions. Slot and the squad watched the game together, hoping to celebrate, but the title race extended just a little further.
“We watched as a group. During the match, I saw how competitive this league is. It didn’t surprise me that Palace got a result,” he reflected.
Now, Liverpool sits 12 points ahead of Arsenal, who have just four games left. The math is simple: one point this Sunday and the title is theirs.
Slot’s Historic Debut Season
If Liverpool triumph this weekend, Arne Slot will become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League and only the 12th manager in history to claim the title. The achievement becomes even more impressive considering this is his debut season, taking over from club legend Jürgen Klopp.
Despite the hype, Slot remains grounded:
“It’s not something I think about right now. All my focus is on preparing for Tottenham. We’ve already seen how difficult it is to beat them,” he noted.
Slot’s calm, focused demeanor has transformed Liverpool into one of the most consistent sides this season, suffering only two league defeats—a remarkable turnaround from their form during Klopp’s final campaign.
Responding to Critics and Pressure
Some pundits argue Liverpool’s success this season is partly due to Manchester City’s inconsistency and injuries derailing Arsenal’s charge. But Slot offered a composed response:
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion. From my experience, finishing in the top four or five is already incredibly tough. This league is unforgiving.”
Slot also acknowledged the immense expectations tied to managing a club of Liverpool’s stature:
“At Liverpool, winning trophies is not optional—it’s expected. But thankfully, managers here tend to get time. That gives you chances to build something.”
The Final Push
As the Reds prepare for a potentially title-clinching showdown at Anfield, Slot has ensured his team remains focused, not distracted by celebrations just yet.
“Tottenham are a tough opponent. We’ve played them three times already, and it’s never easy. We have to finish the job professionally.”
Sunday could mark a milestone moment in Liverpool’s rich history, and for Arne Slot, it’s a chance to inscribe his name into club legend.