Liverpool beat Tottenham Hotspur 6-3 as visitors in a key match of the 17th round of the English Premier League. After the match, Reds manager Slaughter appeared at the press conference to face questions from media reporters on the details of the match, the team's performance and the outlook for the future.
About the game itself
Slotter said, "I genuinely enjoyed the pace of the game in the 60th-65th minutes. Our mistakes gave Spurs the goal when we were in possession at the back, but it would have been unfair to the many chances we created to go in at half-time with a 2-1 scoreline. I was therefore immensely pleased that we scored the 3rd goal. The subsequent scores became 4-1, 5-1 and were simply an incredible performance. However, as you've noticed, no matter how skillful the players are, once they feel they don't need to run full tilt anymore, they are quick to create chances in the Premier League, especially against a team as skillful in possession as Tottenham Hotspur. Frankly, I'm glad we scored the sixth goal."
Evaluation of Liverpool's attacking end
Slotter spoke highly of his team's performance on the offensive end of the field: "The performance was outstanding, probably one of our best performances on the road this season, although I was also impressed with the performance against Manchester United. We were in almost total control of the game that day and tore through the defense on many occasions. Today, apart from scoring 6 goals, I think we could have scored more. Salah and Dias shone on the scoresheet with two goals each. But it would be unfair not to mention Sobosloe's contribution. He was excellent on the attacking end, as well as being a key part of our tactical set-up without the ball, and he did his job brilliantly. The players who scored those goals were vital, but if you look back at those goals, you'll see that most of them were initiated from fullbacks or wingbacks and finished off with a number of passes. So not only those players who scored the goals but also those who were involved in creating the chances are equally important."
On the idea that "players don't think they need to run anymore"
Slaughter clarified this, "If I said it was that they stopped running, that might be a bit of an exaggeration. They're still running, but they're no longer actively blocking crosses and defending in front of the box like they were before. Before that moment, whenever the ball went to a certain position, we had two to four players there. Maybe that's humanly understandable, but when you're 5-1 up, players might think 'well, a scoreline like that is usually enough'. But we know Tottenham, they're always going to keep going because they have the ability to create chances. You have to be at your best every second of the entire game or you are immediately punished. This is especially true against a team as organized as Tottenham."
On whether Sobosloe was at his best
Slotter said, "I haven't seen him play in all the games, but I thought he was very good against Manchester United as well. Today's game was a great day for him, I don't think it's the first time he's had a performance like that, but definitely one of his best."
On the significance of being number one on Christmas Day
Slaughter emphasized, "Of course it makes sense. You always want to be in a better position than where you are in the standings. It's very difficult to win the title because it's not easy to be in shape every three or four days. We saw last week that a red card moment can change the outcome of a game. That's the Premier League. I didn't expect Chelsea to drop points today, but it can happen in any game. That's why so many people want to watch Premier League games and the fact that we have to play over Christmas."
On impressions since working with Salah
Slotter spoke highly of Salah: "I think Salah showed what he has always done at Liverpool over the years. He's capable of scoring goals and the team just needs to get him into those positions that he's been in so many times today. As well as being a very good footballer, I think he's a great person to work with. He's always helping his teammates, always keeping his feet on the ground. He understands what it takes to maintain that level of play at a three-day pace every three days, and he trains hard for it. Perhaps what impresses me the most is that a top player like him is also aware of the effort he has to put in to show that level of performance."
