The League Cup final is just around the corner, but before that, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot sees the upcoming matches against Southampton and PSG as finals in their own right.
Liverpool will compete in the League Cup final on March 16. However, Slot believes the two preceding fixtures in different competitions are just as crucial. His message to the players is clear: Liverpool has three finals to play this week.
The Reds take on Southampton in the Premier League this Saturday. Then, on Tuesday, they face PSG at Anfield in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The following Sunday, they meet Newcastle United in the League Cup final.
Some might raise an eyebrow at Slot calling the Southampton game a final. On paper, it appears to be the least significant of the three. Liverpool sits comfortably at the top of the Premier League, and unless something dramatic happens, their title hopes remain strong. Southampton, on the other hand, are languishing at the bottom of the table, having won only two of their 27 league matches. Relegation is almost inevitable for them.
Yet, at Friday’s press conference, Slot made it clear: the Southampton clash is his top priority.
“My full focus is on Southampton. This is the first of three finals for us this week. For me, it’s the most important match—not just because it’s the first, but also because of what it means for the league.”
Liverpool currently holds a 13-point lead over second-placed Arsenal, though they have played one match more. A win against Southampton would extend that gap to 16 points, ensuring Arsenal remains 10 points behind even if they win their next two games.
Slot has emphasized the importance of this match not only to his players but also to the fans.
“Every Liverpool fan is looking forward to this week’s matches. I know people are already talking about the atmosphere on Champions League night and the League Cup final. But I truly hope our supporters are at their loudest tomorrow—against Southampton, not in the final or against PSG.”
“I’ve been telling my players we have three finals to play. I hope that message reaches our fans too, so they understand just how important this match is. I don’t want them arriving at the stadium five minutes before kickoff—I want Anfield packed half an hour early. I hear creative chants from our fans all the time. Let’s have that again tomorrow. I’ll be in the stands watching with them.”
