"Inherited a world-class group of players" - Pundit sends 'failure' warning to Arne Slot despite good start at Liverpool
Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson has issued a warning to Arne Slot despite the Dutchman's excellent start to the season. The former Reds defender reckons Slot will need to win a trophy and finish within the top three in the Premier League for this season not to be deemed a failure.
Slot has been excellent since taking over from Jurgen Klopp over the summer. He has won nine out of his 10 games in charge across all competitions, breaking the club record in the process. The Reds are currently at the top of the league standings with 18 points from seven games, one point above Manchester City and Arsenal.
Lawrenson believes Slot will need to lift silverware to be considered a success at the end of the season after inheriting Klopp's world-class squad. He told Instant Casino (via Liverpool.com):
"Arne Slot will be aiming at all of the silverware available to Liverpool this season. It’s always been the case at the club, you aim for everything and if you win one, that’s great, and if any more silverware is picked up then fantastic. He’s got the team and the squad to do it this season. He’s inherited a world class group of players from Jurgen Klopp with a winning mentality."
He added:
“If Liverpool don’t pick anything up this season I’d deem that a failure for them and Slot in his opening season as manager. As well as finishing out of the top three in the league, but I don’t see that happening. I’d be surprised if they didn’t make top three though, as those three teams look to be quite far ahead of everyone else."
Slot is set to face a challenging run of fixtures after the international break which could make or break their season. The Reds next play Chelsea (Sunday, October 20), and will lock horns against Arsenal, Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen in the coming weeks.
"I will fight for the starting goalkeeper position" - Giorgi Mamardashvili sends warning to Liverpool's Alisson Becker
Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has insisted he will fight to become Liverpool's starting goalkeeper even if Alisson Becker stays at Anfield next season.
The Reds signed Mamardashvili from Valencia over the summer for a reported transfer fee of £25 million, plus £4 million in add-ons after the Georgian impressed during Euro 2024. The 24-year-old was loaned back to the LaLiga outfit for the 2024-25 season and is set to return to Anfield for next season.
Alisson remains one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe but has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. However, Mamardashvili isn't fazed by this as he told El Desmarque (via Rousing the Kop):
“I was attracted by the Liverpool project when the club’s representatives met with me to sign me. I will fight for the starting goalkeeper position, even if the current goalkeeper does not leave the team.”
Mamardashvili has had a good start to the season for Valencia, keeping three clean sheets in nine appearances across competitions.