Arne Slot has cautioned that “margins are small” in the Premier League as Liverpool continue their push for a Champions League spot next season.
The Reds currently sit fifth in the table after securing back-to-back league victories, holding a five-point advantage over sixth-placed Brighton, who have played one game more. The top five teams automatically qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Liverpool face a difficult test on Saturday against Crystal Palace, a side they have failed to defeat in three encounters this season.
Speaking ahead of the match, Slot acknowledged discussions about the future but stressed his focus remains firmly on the present campaign.
“Of course there are conversations going on about next season but my complete focus is, and still should be, on this season, because margins are small,” he said.
“One or two results can make a big difference, as we saw, because I think two weeks ago we weren’t five points clear of the number six, and two results later we are, so it can also go both ways.
“So my full focus is on Palace, which is needed because, as you know, we’ve played them three times already this season and we’re unable to beat them once.”
Liverpool were beaten on penalties by Palace in the Community Shield and also lost to them in both the Premier League and League Cup earlier this season.
Despite recent league wins over Fulham and Everton, the team has also endured setbacks against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Manchester City in the FA Cup.
Reflecting on their form, Slot said: “In the last eight games we picked up 16 points, and it doesn’t always feel like that, because in between we have to play PSG, Man City. But our recent league form is acceptable.”
On the injury front, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has been sidelined since mid-March, could return for the Palace clash. However, Giorgi Mamardashvili remains unavailable due to injury.
“Giorgi will definitely not be available for tomorrow and also not for the upcoming weeks,” Slot said. “Ali is close to a return to play, so let’s see if tomorrow comes too early, yes or no.”