Liverpool will host Fulham at Anfield in a key match of the 32nd round of the 2025/26 Premier League season. Sloot stated that his team is eager to continue participating in major competitions, but also to seize opportunities to prove they can be more competitive than ever before.

In the last league match, Liverpool lost 1-2 to Brighton after a goal from Kelkez Milos. With two wins, one draw, and two losses in their last five matches, Liverpool currently sits in 5th place in the standings with 49 points, and therefore needs to accumulate more points to secure a Champions League spot.

Following the international break, Liverpool were eliminated from the FA Cup quarter-finals by Manchester City. In addition, earlier in the Champions League, Liverpool suffered a 0-2 defeat to defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes, failing to gain an advantage in the tie.

When asked if the season had entered a crucial phase, Liverpool manager Sloot said, "I think it's perfectly normal to be in this situation towards the end of the season. It's a crucial phase and moment not only for us, but for all teams."

“We’ve put ourselves in a less than ideal position. As others have said, the game against Paris Saint-Germain keeps us hopeful, and we’re still in the race. We also have two very important Premier League games ahead of us, followed by five more, and of course, we hope to play a few more games in the Champions League. But first and foremost, our focus must be on Fulham.”

Sloet pointed out, "If there was anything positive about the game against Paris Saint-Germain, it was that we faced the European champions and clearly realized that our performance was not yet at an ideal level. The good thing is that a few days later we have the opportunity to prove that we can be more competitive than we were two days ago."

The starting lineup remains to be seen.

"This also reminds us that if we want to continue to improve, we must continue to compete at this level next season, which means participating in the Champions League. After experiencing such a match two days ago, we are eager to participate again next season to prove that we can do better."

Sloot continued, "It will be very interesting to see what happens next because yesterday was the recovery period, and we will also be observing the physical condition of several players. This is not the first time I have told everyone that not all players can play a high-intensity game again in three days, so let's see what the starting lineup will be like this time."

Furthermore, Liverpool's upcoming match against Fulham currently sits in 9th place in the standings. Looking back at their first encounter this season, Liverpool took the lead with goals from Wirtz and Gakopo, but conceded a late goal, ultimately drawing 2-2 with Fulham.

Sloot said, "They have a head coach who has worked with the team for a long time, and you can see that from their style of play. The tactical structure is very clear, and the playing style is distinctive."

“Last season we played them at home and we got a red card early on, but it was probably one of our best games of the season. It sounds strange, but we played very well with 10 men. We came back from behind twice and eventually drew 2-2.”

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