Arne Slot has played down the optimism surrounding Liverpool's Premier League title chances and says the state of Manchester City shows how quickly a season can change.
The Reds moved seven points clear at the top of the table and 14 points clear of the struggling champions as goals from Cody Gakpo, Curtis Jones and Mohamed Salah secured a 3-1 win over Leicester after second-place Chelsea's loss to Fulham at Boxing . Day.
The gap will be reduced to six points if Arsenal beat Ipswich on Friday evening, but Slot's side also have a game in hand – even if their head coach is not taking anything for granted.
In his press conference after the win over Leicester, Slot used Manchester City's dismal form as an example of how things can unravel, with Pep Guardiola's side winning just one of their last 12 games in all competitions after the 1-1 draw with Everton .
Asked if it is Liverpool's title to lose, Slot said: “If you have been in this game for a long time, like these players, or me, then you know that you don't look at it twenty games before the end. way.
“There are still so many challenges ahead. It was only two months ago that we were one point behind City and look what happened there in terms of injuries, then a bit of bad luck and a suspension. This can happen to any team.”
Slot also played down the idea that Liverpool are on their way to the title, saying they have not had any “easy wins” this season.
“It's still far too early to celebrate, but of course it's nice for us to be the team that we are. We know we can do this. But I don't think we've won easily in all these games. ” .
“It could have been an easy win against Tottenham, but then we conceded two and it became 5-3.
“That tells you how difficult it is to win when all your players are available, let alone if you suffer injuries or suspensions at some point in the season.
“That's why we have to take it game by game.
“It's important to win. I felt like we had to win, but then I had the same feeling against Fulham and Nottingham Forest, so in the Premier League you always have to do a lot.
“The table is something we are aware of, but we also understand how many games remain to be played.”
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