Slot insists Liverpool need to address damaging mix of errors

Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, stated on Tuesday that the team could conclude their difficult season positively by resolving a "very bad cocktail" involving defensive lapses and failed scoring opportunities. 

The Reds have the chance to confirm their place in the Champions League knockout stages with a win against Qarabag at home on Wednesday, building on recent strong performances over Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan, and Marseille.

However, the English title holders have failed to win any of their last five Premier League matches, dropping to sixth position and facing the possibility of exclusion from next year's Champions League.

Even after claiming the club's second league championship since 1990 last term, Slot's role has faced questions, especially since ex-Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso became free following his exit from Real Madrid.

The 3-2 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday marked Liverpool's initial defeat across all tournaments in 14 outings, though that streak included several frustrating stalemates. 

In his pre-match briefing, Slot noted that Liverpool typically generate many more openings than rivals yet fail to gain matching benefits.

"That's a very bad cocktail we are having," he commented. "If we can improve in both boxes, we can do very special things this season.

"If we can only improve in one box, then it's going to be probably an acceptable season, but not more than that. And if we can't improve in both boxes, it's going to be a lot of noise throughout the whole season."

Now in his second year at Anfield, Slot has struggled significantly with injuries.

Striker Alexander Isak faces a long absence due to a broken leg, leaving most of the season behind, while Liverpool must improvise at centre-back for the game versus Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag. 

Joe Gomez and Giovanni Leoni remain sidelined by injury, and Ibrahima Konate is away on compassionate grounds after his father's passing.

Midfielder Wataru Endo should partner Virgil van Dijk, who at 34 stands as Slot's sole fit centre-back option. 

"There are no centre-backs available apart from Virgil," said Slot. "He is one of the players I credit a lot for him being fit all the time at his age, constantly be ready to play another 90 (minutes).

"That is something we should not take for granted."

Liverpool seem to have halted talks over transferring experienced defender Andy Robertson to Tottenham.

"It's good to have him here," said Slot. "It's hard to say anything definite in this world we are in, but I expect him to stay, yes."