Liverpool manager Arne Slot has criticized Michael Owen for claiming that merely securing the Premier League title is insufficient for the Reds this season.
The Reds defeated Everton midweek to regain their 12-point advantage at the top of the Premier League standings, following Arsenal's victory over Fulham the night before.
Liverpool was aiming for several trophies earlier this year, but their defeats against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United in the League Cup final occurred in rapid succession before the international break.
Liverpool is now fully concentrated on the Premier League, with only a significant downturn able to prevent them from securing their 20th English top-flight title.
Liverpool's captain Virgil van Dijk was displeased with one of Owen's inquiries following the Merseyside Derby, as the ex-Reds forward implied that merely winning the Premier League this season wasn't sufficient.
Following Liverpool's victory over Everton, Owen said to Premier League productions: “These past two weeks have been quite frustrating.”
"Liverpool seemed set for an exceptional season; if they clinch the Premier League, it will still be amazing but with a hint of bitterness since it was evolving into something remarkable."
“I believe it is difficult for Liverpool fans, as well as the manager and players, to exit competitions in rapid succession.”
“The dust will clear, and everyone will come to understand that if they clinch the Premier League at the season’s close, it will be an extraordinary season; they would have eagerly accepted that at the season's outset.”
"However, it does not erase the emotions from the past few weeks, and regaining that winning sensation will be crucial for everyone associated with the club."
In a post-match interview, Owen inquired of Van Dijk: “Reflecting on the season up to now, if you had predicted at the beginning that you would win the Premier League, I’m sure many would have been thrilled. Nonetheless, it was developing into something truly remarkable – how difficult was it after experiencing a few significant losses in cup tournaments to refocus your mindset on the Premier League and conclude the season successfully?
Van Dijk obviously disagreed with Owen's perspective, responding: “Are you implying the season won't be remarkable anymore?”
Owen remarked: “It will definitely be special, but I believed it could have developed into something truly exceptional.”
Van Dijk responded: “I believe we need to adjust that narrative slightly.
"We're competing for the most significant reward of the season; we've put in immense effort for it. Twenty teams are striving diligently to lead the Premier League."
"We have eight matches remaining, we understand what's on the line, we must push for it, we need to battle, we should relish the entire journey and then let's find out." As I mentioned, it still appears quite unique to me.
“I believe that what you mentioned at the beginning of the season, no one anticipated us to even attempt to compete on all four fronts, clearly we are at the point now where we are still contending for the biggest, and that’s the truth.” There remains a chance that this season will be incredibly unique.”
In response to Owen's remarks, Liverpool manager Slot stated on Friday: “To clarify, Virgil felt somewhat frustrated because it seemed like winning just the Premier League isn’t sufficient?”
"Michael did play for us, right?" So he knows that we have only won the league once in 35 years? Here is your response. If you manage to win the league with this team, then, wow, nothing else is important, I would argue.
“If you accomplish it 10 times consecutively, then I could see why people would say: ‘Oh, but you only win the Premier League.’” If [Manchester] City had merely won the Premier League, I could see why some would claim: ‘It’s not a great season for City.’
"However, in my view, it seems odd to raise such a question if you can compete for it at this club, and even win it." If Virgil shares this viewpoint, then I concur with him.
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