As Liverpool prepare to face Bologna in a pivotal Champions League group stage encounter, head coach Arne Slot has called on his players to rise to the occasion and showcase their hunger for success in Europe’s top-tier competition.
After uncharacteristically missing out on the Champions League last season, Slot wants both the team and the fans to show that they belong among Europe’s elite clubs.
The manager expressed his desire for the players to step onto the pitch with a renewed sense of purpose, proving that their absence from the competition was keenly felt.
The Reds come into the game off the back of a 2-1 victory against Wolves in the Premier League, but Slot was not entirely pleased with their performance in that match.
He has stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, reminding his players that mediocrity will not be accepted at a club like Liverpool.
Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp as manager, has made an impressive start to his tenure, and if Liverpool beat Bologna, he will become the first manager in the club’s history to win eight of his first nine matches in charge.
Despite this, Slot remains focused on continuous improvement, pointing out that there were moments in the Wolves game where the team squandered possession and opportunities, which he deemed unacceptable.
Liverpool will have to face Bologna without one of their key players, Federico Chiesa, who has been ruled out of the match due to an injury.
Chiesa, who has been an important part of the team’s attacking setup, is expected to return in time for their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
The absence of Chiesa will be a blow, but the team will be boosted by the likely return of Diogo Jota, who missed two training sessions following the win over Wolves but is expected to be fit to play against Bologna.
As Liverpool prepare for the Bologna clash, there is a palpable sense of anticipation.
The players, many of whom are eager to make their mark on the Champions League stage again, are determined to show their quality after a season without European football.
Slot believes that the combination of this hunger and the fervent support of the Anfield crowd can make for a memorable night in European football.
By Timi-Zacchaeus Oluwaferanmi
