Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Slot Dismisses Owen’s Title Doubts: Premier League Glory is Paramount for Liverpool
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded to former player Michael Owen’s assertion that securing the Premier League title alone would represent an insufficient season for the club. Slot emphasized that winning the English championship remains the ultimate objective and outweighs all other achievements.
Van Dijk Criticizes Owen’s Perspective
Owen, previously a Liverpool striker, faced criticism from Virgil van Dijk following the Merseyside derby. Van Dijk challenged Owen’s claim that Liverpool’s season was “building into something really special” prior to the team’s Champions League exit and Carabao Cup final defeat. While Owen acknowledged that clinching a record-equalling 20th league title would be significant for Liverpool, he suggested that the two cup losses within a week would leave a “bitter taste”.
Slot Defends Premier League Importance
Slot, who is on track to potentially secure the Premier League title comfortably in his debut season in English football, believes that Owen, having never won the league title during his time at Anfield, should readily understand its significance.
“Nothing Else Matters”
“Let me be clear,” Slot stated when presented with Owen’s remarks and Van Dijk’s reaction. “Is Virgil suggesting it’s inadequate to ‘only’ win the Premier League?”
Slot continued, highlighting Liverpool’s historical context: “Michael played for us, correct? Is he aware that in 35 years, we’ve won the league just once? There’s your answer. To win the league with this club is the pinnacle; I contend that nothing else surpasses it. Should we achieve it ten times consecutively, then perhaps one might say, ‘Oh, it’s merely the Premier League.’ If Manchester City were to ‘only’ win the Premier League, one could understand such sentiments. However, for this club, competing for and, crucially, winning the title is extraordinary. Thus, the question itself is perplexing, in my view. If Virgil shares this sentiment, then I concur with him.”
League Strength Undervalued
Slot also refuted the notion that this Premier League season is less competitive due to Manchester City’s perceived decline and Arsenal’s inconsistent form. He maintained that the league is exceptionally strong, making Liverpool’s current standing with 73 points from 30 games and only one defeat a remarkable achievement.
Premier League’s Rising Competition
“I believe this league is more formidable than ever,” Slot declared. “This is a common observation because the overall quality is constantly improving. Even Pep Guardiola himself suggested that it’s unlikely any team will again reach 100 points or win the league four times in succession, given the increased number of teams with high-caliber players.”
Slot added, echoing his previous statements: “Throughout the year, I’ve said that even teams battling relegation possess players capable of playing for top clubs like City, Arsenal, ourselves, or Chelsea. The reason some expected high-performing teams might have fewer points is simply the heightened strength of the league. Therefore, our current points tally is indeed a significant compliment.”