Arne Slot is not surprised that Liverpool have identified themselves as contenders for the quadruple in his first season ahead of the EFL Cup quarter-final against Southampton.
Liverpool have lost just one of 23 games under Slot in all competitions, against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in September. They have won 19 and drawn three, giving them a win ratio of 82.6% under the Dutchman.
The Reds are two points clear of Chelsea at the Premier League summit with a game in hand and are the only team with a perfect record in the Champions League after six matchdays.
On Wednesday they visit managerless Southampton – who sacked Russell Martin after losing 5-0 to Tottenham on Sunday – with a place in the EFL Cup semi-finals in their sights.
Liverpool were tipped for a quadruple under Jurgen Klopp last season but only won the EFL Cup, but Slot is not shocked to see them competing on all fronts again.
“This happened last season when this club won this competition,” Slot said at the press conference before the match on Tuesday.
“So I'm not surprised by the quality we have and that we're competing for these three trophies at the moment, and the fourth one. [the FA Cup] starts in January.”
Cody at the doubles in the @Carabao_Cup pic.twitter.com/vgGEaHVNLi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 17, 2024
The EFL Cup holders have reached the quarter-finals of the subsequent edition 22 times and have progressed from 18 of those matches, trailing only Norwich City (1962-63), Chelsea (1998-99) and Manchester United (2010-11). . and 2017-18) going out.
It is the first time Liverpool have reached this stage as holders since they won the league in four consecutive seasons between 1980-81 and 1983-84.
Slot will not be on the sidelines on Wednesday after picking up his third yellow card of the season in Saturday's draw against Fulham, but he does not expect his one-match suspension to have a major impact.
“If you are suspended in the Netherlands, you are not allowed to be in and around the dressing room or do media work. This is a lighter version of a suspension,” Slot told reporters.
“I would say I'm used to it, but this is the first time I've been suspended. I can still do the things I want to do.
“The least impact you have on your team is during the 45 minutes and the most is at half-time and before the game.
“The ideal situation is that I would be on the sidelines, but I got a yellow card, which I probably deserved, so yes, this happens.”
Save after save after save.
Take a bow, Caoimhin Kelleher pic.twitter.com/Hjq9gXh4lK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 26, 2024
Finally, Caoimhin Kelleher, the hero of Liverpool's 2023/24 EFL Cup triumph, is likely to be between the posts again after Alisson returned from a long injury layoff last week.
“I agree with you that it is one of the most difficult jobs in football when the first goalkeeper is always available. Because then you work all season and you almost never have the chance to play,” Slot said of Kelleher.
“Unfortunately for us but good for him, he has already played quite a few minutes. I think he can look back positively on the first half of the season.
“We are fortunate that we have such a great second goalkeeper that when we need him he can do as well as he does.”
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