Slot says Liverpool have 'big responsibility' to clinch title at Anfield

Arne Slot believes Liverpool have a "big responsibility" to seal the Premier League title in front of their home supporters when they face Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

Slot's side will be crowned English champions for a record-equalling 20th time if they avoid defeat against struggling Tottenham.

Liverpool have five matches remaining to secure the title and require just a single point, making their coronation seemingly inevitable. However, the significance of lifting the trophy at a packed Anfield is not lost on Slot.

The Reds' last Premier League title came five years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the celebrations muted by lockdown restrictions that left Anfield empty.

Ahead of the Tottenham clash, Slot acknowledged the extra motivation to clinch the title on home soil before Liverpool travel to face Chelsea in their next fixture.

"It's a big responsibility. We are aware that the last time this club won the league was during the Covid time. So everybody is looking forward to Sunday," Slot told reporters on Friday.

"We know there's still a job to do. We need at least one point. Our fans know as well. When they come to the stadium, they have to support us in the best possible way as they have done all season."

"It's a nice game to look forward to, but also a responsibility we have for Sunday."

Liverpool nearly secured the title on Wednesday when Arsenal were held to a 2–2 draw by Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Had Palace won, the Reds would already have been champions.

Slot revealed that he and his players had gathered together to watch the match, hoping to celebrate, but ultimately had to wait.

"It was different. Normally when you watch a game of football, you are either alone or with family or friends. But we watched it all together," said Slot.

"Before the game, I would have been surprised if it ended in a draw. But during the game, I wasn't, because Crystal Palace again showed what this league is all about."

'This club has to win trophies'

Victory on Sunday would see Liverpool equal Manchester United's record of 20 English top-flight titles, adding even more passion to the celebrations at Anfield.

In what is his first season replacing the iconic Jürgen Klopp, former Feyenoord boss Slot is poised to become the 12th manager to win the Premier League, and notably the first Dutchman to do so.

When asked whether he had reflected on the historic achievement awaiting Liverpool, Slot insisted he remained fully focused on the task at hand.

"No, I get these questions so it comes to your mind, but it is the last thing you think of as a manager at this time," he said.

"We saw last week how hard it was to get a win against Leicester, a team almost relegated. I am not getting carried away. We have faced Tottenham three times and I know how hard it is to beat them."

Slot's impact on Liverpool has been remarkable, overseeing a side that has lost only twice in the league this season.

"This club has to win trophies," said Slot, when asked about the pressure of managing Liverpool. "The good thing is most managers here stay a long time, so you have a few chances to win trophies."

"You are aware of that, but it is not the first thing you think about when you walk through this door."

Some critics have suggested that Liverpool's path to the title has been eased by Manchester City's slump and Arsenal's injury struggles.

Slot, however, rejected the idea that the title was devalued.

"Everybody can have their own opinion," he said. "That is the nice thing about the world we are living in."

"I am only here for a year, so I can only tell you what I have experienced. It has never been as hard to end up in the top four or five. In my opinion, it is a really difficult league."