By Ed Cartmell and Tom Kennedy
Liverpool boss Arne Slot said he was “not happy” that people didn’t listen to his comments regarding losing to Paris St Germain last season.
Liverpool beat Qarabag 6-0 at Anfield to secure automatic qualification to the round of 16 of the Champions League.
However, Slot said afterwards he felt the need to clarify the comments he made earlier this week.
The Liverpool boss insisted the comments were taken out of context, and that his side had benefited from a reduced schedule after being knocked out in the last 16.
He said: “Losing to PSG might have helped us. I meant we did not face injuries after that.
“People want to make my words ridiculous. This club, it hits us harder with injuries.”
When asked if his comments were taken out of context, he said: “Not a little, a lot.
“I have always tried to be myself and give long answers in a different language.
“Maybe you miss a certain word. I am not going to change.”
When asked about this season’s Champions League hopes, Slot emphasised the level of motivation his players still have.
He said: “We are hungry for more.
“We are happy to be in the last 16, especially when only two years ago, we were in the Europa League and lost to Atalanta.
“Today we made sure that there were no minutes that they (Qarabag FK) were better than us.
“We have to show consistency.”
Slot confirmed that Jeremie Frimpong will miss Liverpool’s next fixture against Newcastle on Saturday.
The right-back suffered a “muscle injury” within the opening minutes of tonight’s game, joining fellow right-back, Conor Bradley, on the sidelines.
Due to further injury worries, Slot was asked about potential signings for the squad.
He said: “We have to do smart things for the near future but also for the long future.”
