After the international break and FA Cup quarter-final weekend, the Premier League returns with all 20 clubs in action across the next four days.
A host of managers are taking press conferences today. Keep track of all the news here with Daily Mail Sport…
Under-pressure Slot ‘feels supported’
Arne Slot insists he feels support from ownership and fans at Liverpool after a bruising week in which his side lost to Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain.
It has led some to question Slot’s future with the team needing a minor miracle to overturn a two-goal deficit against the European champions in the second leg of the PSG tie to keep their silverware hopes alive this season.
But Slot, whose side now return their focus to finishing in the top five of the Premier League after a poor title defence, still feels the backing from the key figures at Anfield.
‘I am repeating myself a lot but I have said many times I feel a lot of support not only from the owners but from Richard and Michael as well, and as weird as it might sound I also feel the support of the fans,’ he said.
‘We were going out in Paris when the players went out for the warm-up and the fans after a 4-0 loss (at City) immediately started singing “We love you Liverpool”.
Arne Slot insists he feels backing from both supporters and the Liverpool hierarchy
‘And after it’s fair to say we were outplayed over 90 minutes we went to the away end and they were still singing for us and clapping for us.
‘That support, I have felt, we have felt constantly. I’ve said many times as well that the club knows which period of time we are in, and in the meantime I have their complete support.’
It comes at a time where fans are protesting ticket price hikes with supporters’ group Spirit of Shankly urging spectators to not spend money at Anfield this weekend, when the team play Fulham on Saturday.
Marco Silva’s side are the only team Slot has not beaten in the Premier League of those who have been in the division for the Dutchman’s full tenure.
And the Reds boss added: ‘Anfield has shown in history and also in my time here how important these fans are for us.
‘A recent example was Galatasaray when we had a tough game away from home when their fans were really loud and then Anfield showed what being loud really is.
‘They helped us through that game and I can come up with so many examples I’ve been part of but also in the history of this club.
‘Even though there are protests, I hope the fans can be as helpful as they have always been for us this season and last season.’
Slot is not expecting goalkeeper Alisson to return from a hamstring problem but Alexander Isak is ready for more minutes after a short cameo in Paris on Wednesday.
Lewis Steele
