Liverpool boss Arne Slot says he expects Cody Gakpo and Mo Salah to contribute more in the build-up to the Reds’ fifth-round FA Cup draw against Wolves on Friday (6th March).

It comes after the two players have faced criticism for their performances this season.

Slot told the media today: “We have the ball a lot, but we need to create more.

“A player like Cody (Gakpo), a player like Mo (Salah), we expect them, and they expect from themselves to score more or assist more than one out of nine or more.”

The Reds travel to Molineux for the second time this week, having suffered a 2-1 defeat in the Premier League on Tuesday through Andre’s 90+4′ winning goal.

It is the fifth time this season Liverpool have conceded a winning goal in stoppage time.

Slot said: “It’s a real concern if you lose, and if you lose many times in the same manner, it’s even more of a concern.”

Liverpool will hope the FA Cup brings some much-needed respite from their tumultuous Premier League campaign.

The Reds secured a 3-0 victory in a dominant display over Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in the previous round.

The cup has added importance as the Liverpool boss conceded that the Reds cannot win the Premier League.

Slot said: “Last season we tried to win four (competitions) and this season we tried to win four as well, but two are no longer possible, the Premier League and the League Cup.

“So the two we are in (FA Cup and Champions League), we try to win them.”

Slot confirmed that Florian Wirtz is close to returning to action.

Slot said: “He (Wirtz) trained 50/50 yesterday, so he has taken the next step in his rehab.

“He could play a few minutes tomorrow in the best scenario.”

The Reds’ boss spoke of the German internationals’ increasing importance to the team.

Slot said: “One of the players we have that is able to create a lot from open play is Florian Wirtz… he was able to create a lot, and the team had a certain balance.”

(Featured image by Joe Schlip, under Wikimedia Creative Commons)

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