‘Damaging’: Arne Slot accepts Liverpool’s form has ruined fans’ confidence

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Arne Slot conceded defeat at Aston Villa could prove “damaging” for Liverpool’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League and accepted their supporters will question whether he can make the club title contenders again.Liverpool slumped to a 4-2 defeat at Villa, for whom victory was sufficient to cement their spot in Europe’s premier competition next season. Slot’s side may need to win their final game of the season, at home to Brentford next Sunday, to guarantee a place in the Champions League.

“But now we know one thing for sure – we need a win next week if we have to do it ourselves. There were parts in the game where I felt a result could have gone our way but I think people are mainly focused on the period after the 2-1 where we couldn’t find any momentum any more and we conceded two other goals.”Slot acknowledged Liverpool must improve defensively – they have conceded a league-high 20 goals from set pieces this season, coming unstuck twice from corners at Villa Park.

Asked if there is sufficient for supporters to feel ­energised about with regards to next season after a 12th defeat of the league season, Slot said: “I can understand that, at this moment in time, [the fans] don’t have a lot of confidence or a lot of feeling that things can be much better next season but I think then they are underestimating what a window can do, what a new start can do.”Villa’s captain, John McGinn, who made it 4-1 with a wonderful effort from the edge of the box, said securing Champions League qualification through the Premier League provides the perfect platform for next week’s final against Bundesliga side Freiburg.“It allows us to be excited and enjoy Wednesday properly,” McGinn said. We’re so fortunate to have him, what he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible.