“We have developed a lot” – Slot lauds Liverpool transformation after cup victory
Liverpool boss Arne Slot believes his side is in “a good place” after safely progressing to the 5th round of the FA Cup against Brighton. Speaking at full-time, the Dutch boss praised his team’s clinical nature. “Satisfying because we scored three, and that’s not really been coming for us. To create a lot of chances has been. To score three with the chances we did have has not happened that many times this season so I am really pleased with that. “I thought we were up already earlier but not many moments later we scored from a full-back and another full-back attacking the box and that tells you how much these players want to score a goal. The second goal was even nicer than the first one. “It started out with us bringing the ball out from the back. It was two teams wanting to bring the ball out from the back which you don’t see that much anymore in the Premier League. It was a great team goal, a great switch and Mohamed Salah laying it off and the finish was probably the nicest part of the attack. Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League, but have struggled to recapture the consistent form that lauded a first league title since 2020. But with Champions League knockout football on the horizon, Slot believes his side are in a good position heading into the run in. “In the end we get players back. It is fair to say we have developed a lot from two, three or four months ago. We are much more able to bring the intensity levels that are needed in the Premier League and Champions League after two days rest. Most of these players are young so there is a lot more to come from them. That is why we did what we did in the summer. Giving them time to adjust also cost us too many points that is also clear but the team is in a good place at the moment.” The Reds return to League action against Nottingham Forest next Sunday, aiming to return to the top four, ahead of a key fixture run.
“He watches forensically” – McInnes conversing with football icon amidst title challenge
Derek McInnes reveals conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson have provided “great pointers”, as Hearts prepare for another seismic Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox. In an interview with the BBC, McInnes advised that Ferguson had contacted him in the lead up to the Edinburgh Derby. “He was on the phone on my way into the game, and he’s got great pointers, little nuggets of information. “He’s able to give you wee things you can maybe do and say, like how you deal with the press.” “He knows all my players. He talks as though he knows them intimately and I tell my players that, and they still can’t believe that he actually knows our game inside out,” adds McInnes. “He watches forensically. So I feel as if I’ve got a real supporter there.” McInnes will be aided by returning centre-back Craig Halkett, who missed Tuesday’s Edinburgh Derby through suspension. The defender accepts that his team may be in uncharted territory, but relishes the title challenge. “I’ve watched Scottish football all my life, and in my lifetime, certainly, it’s unusual for Hearts to be in this position at this time of the year. “I think the fact that the majority of the boys in the changing room haven’t been in this position before is a good thing. “We don’t have any past experience to fall back on or any worries about being in this position. We’ve not done it. Everyone’s just going with the flow and just doing the best that we can every single week. “I think it’s obviously a good thing that world football are looking at Hearts and seeing Hearts’ name out there and making the club known all across the world. That’s only a good thing. Holding position at the summit of the Scottish Premiership for 20 weeks may bring pressure, but Halkett insists his teammates aren’t feeling the pressure of their sensational season. “All the boys are buzzing coming in every day. We’ve been top of the league for a while now but I don’t think anyone’s really thinking or starting to worry that if we don’t win this game or we win that game, where are we going to be? “Personally, I’m not feeling too much pressure. It’s just the pressure to go and win the game at the weekend and then see where it takes us. “It’s been such a great season, you’re just so glad to be involved in it.” Hearts travel to Ibrox on Sunday afternoon, a victory would move the Jambos eight clear at the top of the league, potentially delivering the knockout blow for Rangers’ title credentials.
