Liverpool manager Arne Slot says his team must secure their 20th top-flight title by earning a point against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday, emphasizing the “big responsibility” involved.
Liverpool needs only a point against Tottenham to win the Premier League title, following Arsenal’s draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday, with four games to go.
Liverpool’s last title win was in the 2019-20 season, under Jurgen Klopp, a time when Covid restrictions prevented fans from attending matches.
Liverpool’s first top-flight win in 30 years was celebrated at Anfield, with the trophy raised in an empty stadium.
“First of all, that’s a big responsibility because we are aware that the last time this club won the league, it was Covid time, so everybody is looking forward to Sunday, but we know that there is still a job to be done, and that’s at least one point,” said Slot.
“That’s what we know, and hopefully, our fans know as well. They support us in the best possible way they can – like they have all season – and are aware of the fact that we still need a point.
“We are definitely aware of that. It’s a nice game to look forward to, but it’s also our responsibility for Sunday.”
With 18 league losses this season and a Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt on Thursday, Tottenham’s Anfield winless streak (since 2011) continues.
Liverpool’s impressive league form shows only two defeats, one at home, and a top-flight best home record of 41 points from 16 games.
Having won the Dutch title with Feyenoord, Slot is now in his inaugural season as Liverpool’s manager. He succeeded Klopp last summer.
His team leads Arsenal, in second place, by twelve points.
While some claim the top flight lacks the competitiveness of recent seasons, Slot maintains it’s a tough league to win.
“I’ve only been here for a year, so I can only tell you what I’ve experienced this season,” he said.
“I think it’s never been as exciting for a top-four, top-five finish. In all the years before, it was quite clear which clubs will probably get the top three or four positions.
“In my opinion, it’s a really difficult league because that’s what I’ve experienced over here, there’s never been an easy game. It’s always been very hard to win a game of football.
“We are not the only team in this league who find winning a game by three or four goals difficult. That was maybe easier two, three, four, or five years ago.
“Either the teams are not so good anymore – the Liverpools, the Manchester City, and the Arsenals – or we are still very good, but the other teams have the funds to spend just as much or, in some situations, even more.”