Arne Slot remains grounded despite Liverpool sitting at the top of the Premier League, acknowledging that their start to the season has been easier compared to their rivals.
Liverpool hold a one-point lead over Manchester City and Arsenal, and Slot has made history as the first Reds manager to win eight of his first nine matches.
However, Slot is quick to point out that Liverpool’s fixture schedule has been kinder than others, with Nottingham Forest, the only top-10 team they have faced, pulling off an upset at Anfield.
While beating Manchester United at Old Trafford under Jurgen Klopp was a psychological boost, Tottenham’s dominant performance against Erik ten Hag’s side has provided further context to Liverpool’s victory.
In contrast, Arsenal have already faced tough fixtures away at Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Tottenham, collecting two wins and a draw. Meanwhile, City has faced Arsenal, Chelsea, and Newcastle, securing four points from these challenging encounters.
Slot addressed the situation in Liverpool’s matchday program against Bologna, saying: “Being top of the Premier League after the weekend’s results is something the players can be proud of, of course.
But we also recognize that our fixture list hasn’t been as demanding as some of our competitors. This isn’t about dampening the excitement, as we always want our supporters to believe in what we’re building and the potential it brings.”
He added, “It’s about staying realistic and understanding our own progress because that’s how we gather the information needed to keep improving.”
Slot remains cautious, recalling the 2022-23 season when Liverpool finished fifth, missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time under Klopp in a full season.
He recognizes how challenging it can be to balance domestic and European commitments, with matches every three to four days presenting numerous hurdles.
“If we continue with a serious approach, it will only help us, especially now that we’re back in the Champions League after missing out last season,” Slot explained. “Playing Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday across two competitions is always a massive challenge. It tests our squad depth, preparation, recovery, and ability to handle various pressures.”
Slot concluded, “Remaining humble, staying grounded, and understanding that we still have a lot of hard work and improvement ahead is not just the right approach—it’s the only way forward.”
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