Arne Slot cautions Liverpool on errors in top four race

Arne Slot stated that Liverpool "cannot tolerate many errors any longer" while his squad fights for a top four position in the Premier League after their title challenge fell apart.

The Reds sit in sixth place in the standings, trailing fourth placed Manchester United by two points before Newcastle travels to Anfield on Saturday.

In a tight packed league table, only five points divide United from Sunderland who are in 11th position. Eddie Howes Newcastle side trails Liverpool by three points.

Securing a top four spot in the Premier League ensures direct entry into next seasons Champions League.

"It is clear that as the season nears its close, the chances to err become limited," remarked Liverpool manager Slot on Friday.

"We find ourselves now where we cannot allow numerous errors, given that we have committed too many already, and by errors I refer to conceding goals right at the end."

The Reds let in a goal in the 95th minute leading to a 3-2 defeat against Bournemouth last week.

Liverpool secured their spot in the Champions League knockout stage with a dominant 6-0 win over Qarabag on Wednesday.

However their league performances have been poor with only five victories in their last 18 matches following their triumph in winning a 20th English league title last year.

"We fully recognise that a single victory does not suffice at this club, so the upcoming one against Newcastle arrives quickly," Slot commented.

"I am completely confident that the match against them poses a greater test than Wednesdays encounter, yet any win proves beneficial."

The Dutch coach expressed satisfaction at seeing Mohamed Salah score for Liverpool for the first time since 1 November against Qarabag, though he highlighted the teams contribution.

"The squad must position him effectively, and that is increasingly what we achieve, not just for him but for various players," Slot added.

"I have mentioned this often lately our play between the lines suffices to place our forwards in advantageous spots frequently, and we understand that with enough such moments, our talent will deliver as anticipated due to their high calibre."

The Liverpool boss noted that defender Jeremie Frimpong will miss several weeks after sustaining an injury versus Qarabag, but it is "not as serious as initially feared".

Centre back Ibrahima Konate, absent since his fathers passing, is included in the squad for the Newcastle fixture.