Slot targets improved the display against Man City at home

Liverpool will be keen to show how far they have progressed when they face Premier League second-placed Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday after losing 3-0 to the club in November, manager Arne Slot said on Thursday.

The champions went into contention on the back of an impressive 4-1 win over Newcastle United, while City dropped points against 14th-placed Tottenham Hotspur to surrender a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw.

«I especially remember the match we played at Etihad and in which we were outplayed for large parts of the first half,» Slot told reporters. «So this is another moment to see where we are in the development of this team. We know the importance of a result.»

«It also helped City that our goal was disallowed and that they were awarded a penalty after VAR interference. Conceding a set piece did not help either and these factors do influence the game. This time we want to show a different side of things.»

Liverpool are sixth in the Premier League with 39 points from 24 games.

“It is the final phase of the season, so the results are more important,” Slot said. «Besides that first half against City and Palace, we showed that we can compete with any team. We didn’t find the consistency for results, but we showed against all names that we can compete.»

Slot confirmed that defender Jeremy Frimpong will miss the weekend’s match, but Joe Gomez could return to strengthen the defensive line. The Dutchman also explained the club’s decision to sign four centre-backs – Jeremy Jacquet, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Noah Adekoya – during the winter transfer window, describing it as a plan for life after Virgil van Dijk.

«Hopefully Virgil can stay fit for several years, but this club is not stupid,» said Slot. «We know there will be life after Virgil sometime in the next few years, but that applies to every position. We’re not just thinking about the short term.»

Published on February 5, 2026