Arne Slot mentioned Liverpool’s solely focus is on securing the 2 wins wanted to safe the Premier League title after Virgil van Dijk indicated his contract saga might be resolved this week.
The Dutchman gave Liverpool a lucky victory over West Ham with an 89th-minute header and celebrated by kissing the badge on his shirt in entrance of the Kop. The captain’s purpose means Liverpool require solely six factors from the remaining six video games to seal the championship.
Requested whether or not, like Mohamed Salah, he’s near signing a brand new two-year contract at Liverpool, Van Dijk replied: “I can let you know I’m very proud right now to captain my a hundredth recreation for Liverpool. And it was an emotional day, due to the Hillsborough anniversary. The principle focus was to get three factors, and get a little bit nearer to all of our goals. Everybody is aware of how a lot I really like this membership, and let’s see what subsequent week will appear like.”
Slot performed down speak on one other necessary contract extension for Liverpool, nonetheless, and insisted the main focus is fully on the pitch. The Liverpool head coach mentioned: “I believe he means let’s see what subsequent week brings once we play Leicester Metropolis as a result of that, at this second in time, is by far the largest factor this membership is taking a look at.
“Two extra wins and the primary 32 video games have proven us how tough it’s – not just for us however for each group – to win a recreation of soccer. The competitors has by no means been as sturdy as it’s this season and that’s what makes it so laborious to win a recreation of soccer.
“We nonetheless must win two, so we must be fully targeted on that. If within the meantime a contract extension occurs [then fine] however my full deal with Leicester and I’m certain Virgil’s is as properly.”
Slot admitted Van Dijk’s winner got here as “a giant aid”, with Liverpool indebted to Alisson for maintaining West Ham at bay till Andy Robertson’s late personal purpose. “After West Ham scored and the best way the second half went it felt to me that West Ham may rating once more,” the pinnacle coach mentioned. “However our followers and gamers thought in another way.”
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The West Ham supervisor, Graham Potter, claimed his group’s second-half efficiency was the most effective of his brief tenure, however finally with out reward. “The efficiency was actually optimistic, most likely the most effective since now we have been right here,” he mentioned. “The steadiness between defence and assault was good towards the most effective group within the league. We confirmed resilience which hasn’t all the time been there and grew into the sport.”
