He praised a Liverpool star, calling him the ‘best player in the world’ in his role.

Arne Slot expressed frustration with his Liverpool squad despite their flawless Champions League campaign. Mo Salah’s second-half penalty against Girona secured a sixth consecutive win for the Reds, virtually guaranteeing them a spot in the top eight and bypassing the February play-off round..

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, voiced his displeasure with his team’s lack of aggression despite their victory in Spain. The match marked the return of goalkeeper Alisson from injury, but Slot was critical of the overall performance.

“I’m really pleased with the first five games, but I’m far from pleased about this performance—especially two things,” he said.

Slot highlighted the challenge of facing teams with strong tactical approaches, like City or Real Madrid, noting, “If you play against a team that knows how to build from the back, you need to be incredibly intense to disrupt them. We were so easily outplayed, and a team like this can cause significant problems.”

Slot continued to express his concerns, highlighting the gaps in Liverpool’s performance despite their win.

“They’ve demonstrated their quality in all their Champions League games this season, except against PSV Eindhoven,” he remarked. “I almost feel sorry for them—they deserve far more than the three points they have.”

He was particularly critical of Liverpool’s reaction after losing possession. “Every time we lost the ball, we weren’t aggressive enough. It allowed them to advance almost effortlessly to our goal and create shooting opportunities.”

Reflecting on the game as a whole, Slot admitted, “We had almost no control throughout. Maybe the second half showed some improvement—I’m trying to stay positive.”

Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson, returning after more than two months out due to a hamstring injury, was instrumental in Liverpool’s victory. The shot-stopper made five crucial saves before Mohamed Salah secured the win with a penalty. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR identified a foul by Donny van de Beek on Luis Díaz.

Reflecting on Alisson’s performance, Slot quipped: “We have to thank Alisson for ensuring we kept a clean sheet.”

Slot continued to praise Alisson’s outstanding performance, saying, “Maybe his teammates wanted to test if he was truly fit by giving him a little extra work. Of course, that wasn’t the plan, but he proved today why he’s so crucial for us.”

He emphasized Alisson’s role in the team, adding, “I’ve said many times he’s our first-choice goalkeeper, and that doesn’t take anything away from Caoimhin Kelleher, who has done exceptionally well. But Alisson has been vital to this club for years and demonstrated again why he’s one of the best—or, in my opinion, the best—in the world.”

Slot concluded optimistically: “Let’s hope he continues delivering performances like this and, more importantly, stays fit.”

7Caoimhin Kelleher was dropped back to the bench after Alisson was declared fit7

Caoimhin Kelleher, eager to secure more playing time, found himself benched in northern Spain despite his strong performances this season, barring a slip-up against Newcastle. Alisson’s return from injury, however, meant the Brazilian reclaimed his spot between the posts, rejoining a Liverpool side that has only lost once all season.

Liverpool’s position remains dominant—four points clear at the top of the Premier League and now poised to secure a top-eight finish in the Champions League group stage. This achievement allows them to bypass February’s two-legged play-offs, conveniently avoiding a schedule clash with their Premier League fixture against Manchester City on February 23. While Liverpool can rest, City may have to contend with play-offs, adding strain to their title race ambitions.

Despite their success, Arne Slot expressed mild concerns over his team’s performance against Girona. Nevertheless, Liverpool’s qualification ensures they can rest key players in their January matches against Lille and PSV Eindhoven. Slot’s cautious rotation strategy could provide a crucial edge in their pursuit of silverware across competitions.

In a crowd of just 10,000—limited due to renovations—only 492 dedicated Liverpool fans were present, having met strict qualification criteria for away games. Among the players, Joe Gomez made his 235th appearance for the Reds but continues his remarkable streak without a goal.

fourth-minute save to deny a header that might have given the visitors an early lead. The former Spurs and Southampton keeper also thwarted a powerful shot from Darwin Núñez, who struggled with missed opportunities throughout the match, showcasing the inconsistency that frustrates fans and coaches alike.

Arne Slot acknowledged Núñez’s challenges, noting the Uruguayan has now gone five games without a goal. He remarked, “Every striker has phases—sometimes every shot finds the net, and other times, no matter how hard they try, it doesn’t. We’d love to see Darwin score because strikers thrive on goals, but fortunately, Mo delivered today.”

Girona came close to opening the scoring early, with Daley Blind missing a golden chance from six yards, much to the dismay of home fans. Alisson stepped up repeatedly, denying efforts from Alejandro Frances, Miguel Gutierrez, and Yaser Asprilla in the first half, with his finest save coming against Arnaut Danjuma just after the break.

Liverpool’s attack struggled to break down Girona’s organized defense until Luis Díaz tangled with Donny van de Beek. Initially dismissed as a dive by referee Benoit Bastien, VAR intervened, prompting a penalty decision. Mohamed Salah converted with ease, sending Gazzaniga the wrong way to secure Liverpool’s sixth consecutive Champions League win.

Slot’s side avoided late drama, marking an 18th victory in 21 games under his leadership. Reflecting on his time at Anfield, Slot admitted, “I never expected it to feel this smooth.”