Liverpool Qualify For The Last 16 Of The Champions League, This Is What Arne Slot Said

Liverpool qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League without the need for a playoffs after beating Lille 2-1. (X/@LFC)

JAKARTA - Liverpool became the first team to qualify automatically for the last 16 of the Champions League. The 2-1 win over Lille in the match at Anfield Stadium, Wednesday, January 22, 2025 in the morning WIB, ensured Liverpool's move to the knockout round. Manager Arne Slot also showed his satisfaction because Liverpool immediately qualified. The reason?

Liverpool not only set a perfect record by winning all Champions League matches. This brilliant achievement made Liverpool remain at the top of the standings by pocketing 21 points.

Liverpool are also the only team that have never lost or drawn. The leadership of the English Premier League standings was overshadowed strictly by Barcelona who defeated Benfica 5-4 through a dramatic match. The victory led Barca, who was in second place, pocketed 18 points.

Liverpool's success in getting tickets automatically at least makes Slot breathe a sigh of relief. The reason is, the Reds don't need to play a playoffs because the match in that round is no less fierce and tough.

How could I not, the playoffs brought together teams ranked ninth to 24th. The problem is that in the playoffs, there are strong teams that happen to draw more often, so they fail to penetrate the top eight.

"If in tennis, when you become the first seed then you will meet opponents who are ranked 24th and not 12. And that's what happened over the years," said Slot in response to Liverpool's top position in the standings with seven wins.

"The problem is, we are currently using a new format. Some teams are in high positions because they get a profitable draw. But there are good teams that are under because they get a difficult draw," he said again.

"So actually there are no advantages when you are ranked first or second. There are lucky or unlucky factors," said the former Feyenoord coach.

Slot stated that Liverpool did not benefit when ending the preliminary round by ranking the highest. The reason is, the Reds did not rule out the possibility of meeting tough opponents in the round of 16. However, he was satisfied because Virgil van Dijk et al were not bothered to have to play a playoffs.

"For me, it's [at the top of the final standings] not everything. The most important thing is that we can qualify without having to go through that round [playoff]," said Slot again.

In the match against Lille, The Pool had to work hard until finally the forward Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock. He scored his 50th goal in European competition in the 34th minute.

In a position 1-0 Lille actually lost a player after defender Aissa Mandi got a second yellow card which was followed by a red card in the 59th minute.

However, Lille actually managed to equalize the score after striker Jonathan David scored a goal. Liverpool should have dropped points if midfielder Harvey Elliot had not broken into the visitors' goal which determined the win to be 2-1.

Responding to the difficulties Liverpool faced, Slot said that Lille was a team without star players. But they have an advantage in discipline and hard work.

"They don't have the best players in the world. But they play very disciplined and work hard. We can't freely provide feedback. We also try to maintain possession as long as we can. One thing that makes me don't like is giving against one chance [which then created a goal]," said Slot.

Meanwhile, Lille coach Bruno Genesio admits he is frustrated that his team lost. But he remains satisfied with the performance shown by the players.

"Even so, I am still proud of their performance. We played well, especially in the second half when we lost a player. I am happy with their performance," said Genesio.

The defeat made Lille remain in 11th place with 13 points. They still have the opportunity to improve their rankings and enter the top eight so they can qualify automatically. Otherwise, Lille hopes to maintain their position in the playoffs zone. In the last match, Lille hosted Feyenoord.