Slot eyes Champions League confirmation at Man United

Slot eyes Champions League confirmation at Man United

Arne Slot has said Liverpool are ready for ‘a very big game’ at Manchester United that could confirm their Champions League qualification.

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Sunday looking to secure their place in the Premier League’s top five. Fourth in the table with four games to go, a win for the Reds would take them above Manchester United.

Three points on the road could also confirm Liverpool’s place in next season’s Champions League. Though Slot has admitted that his side are disappointed to have not defended their Premier League crown this season, he has said sealing a spot in Europe’s top competition would represent an important step in the side’s development.

“We are aware that it is a very big game. Not only because we play Man United, but to qualify for the Champions League and to get the highest possible league position,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference.

“We wanted to win the league – that is not possible – so we are trying to finish as high as possible.

“A win [which could secure a top-five finish] is the right step forward. It is an important step, it is definitely not a step backwards.”

Manchester United head into the game as one of the form teams in the division. The Red Devils have won nine of their 13 games under interim head coach Michael Carrick, and will secure Champions League football with a win. Slot said last season’s 15th-place finish was not an accurate representation of United’s quality.

“Last season, their players were better than their league position suggested. After another transfer window, we can now see how good they really are.

“It might be a bit of an advantage that they only play once a week, but as I said before, when analysing them, I saw how good they are – and it’s the same now.

“They’re more consistent in their results.”

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