Arne Slot has warned that “margins are small” in the Premier League as Liverpool FC intensify their push to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Liverpool currently sit fifth in the table following back-to-back league victories, holding a five-point advantage over Brighton & Hove Albion, who have played one match more. The top five teams in the Premier League this season will qualify automatically for the Champions League.
The Reds face another test on Saturday against Crystal Palace FC, a side they have failed to defeat in three meetings across competitions this season.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Slot said his immediate priority remains the current campaign rather than long-term planning after Liverpool’s title defence fell short.
“Of course there are conversations going on about next season, but my complete focus is on this season because margins are small,” he said. “One or two results can make a big difference.”
Liverpool were beaten by Palace on penalties in the season-opening FA Community Shield and also lost to Oliver Glasner’s team in both the league and the EFL Cup earlier in the campaign.
Despite recent league wins against Fulham FC and Everton FC, Liverpool have suffered setbacks in other competitions, including defeats to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Manchester City FC in the FA Cup.
Slot, however, defended his side’s recent domestic form, noting that Liverpool had collected 16 points from their last eight league matches.
On the injury front, goalkeeper Alisson Becker could return after missing action since mid-March, while Giorgi Mamardashvili is expected to remain sidelined for several weeks after picking up an injury against Everton.
Slot said a late decision would be made on Alisson’s availability ahead of the Palace clash.
