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Arne Slot and Liverpool enter a pivotal eight-day period in their Premier League title bid, with fixtures against Aston Villa this evening, Manchester City (Feb 23), and Newcastle United (Feb 26) set to test their seven-point lead over Arsenal.

The Dutchman’s unresolved FA disciplinary charge adds complexity to their preparations, with a potential touchline ban looming over critical matches.

The manager and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were charged following their red cards in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Everton on February 12 for alleged abusive language toward referee Michael Oliver.

Though initially thought to face an automatic two-game ban, the FA classified the case as “non-standard,” requiring a hearing rather than a fixed penalty.

Success here in these three fixtures could effectively secure Liverpool’s first title since 2020 but dropped points risk reigniting Arsenal’s challenge.

Compounding to the situation, Liverpool then face a five-week league hiatus from February 26 to April 2, with only a home match against last-place Southampton on March 8 scheduled due to cup commitments and an international break.

This unusual calendar amplifies the importance of maximizing points now before momentum stalls.

And amid this run, Arne Slot is switching up the days of his media duties.

Arne Slot diverts from normal routine

It has been reported by Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail that Arne Slot will not have his pre-Manchester City press conference on Friday morning – as is normal for any weekend game.

Instead, Slot will answer questions from the media on Thursday morning at 10.30am GMT.

He typically speaks earlier at 9am GMT.

Of course, it will be quite a big press conference ahead of a crunch away trip to Manchester City.

The Dutchman will likely be quizzed on:

Whether Cody Gakpo will be fit to face Manchester City after sitting out the Aston Villa clash.

What he thinks of Manchester City and Pep Guardiola amid their below-par season

There is no reason for the change in date – but perhaps Arne Slot just wants a Friday morning free of media duties.

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