Inside Liverpool's dressing room after crushing Man United defeat - what Arne Slot told his players, Virgil van Dijk's rallying cry, how the boss is using Lance Armstrong to motivate his players and the crucial factor that can end four-game losing streak

Following a crushing defeat to Manchester United, Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed his players in the dressing room, aiming to maintain a calm atmosphere despite the team's fourth consecutive loss. Captain Virgil van Dijk urged his teammates to move on from the disappointment and focus on the next match, emphasizing the importance of mental recovery. Slot, experiencing pressure for the first time in his managerial career due to growing fan frustration, is reportedly using cyclist Lance Armstrong's strategies of projecting a positive image while enduring difficult periods to motivate his squad. Key issues highlighted in the article contributing to Liverpool's slump include a loss of killer instinct, a significant drop in Mohamed Salah's goal contributions, and a decline in defensive solidity compared to the previous season. The atmosphere at Anfield has shifted from hostile for opponents to one of anxiety for home supporters. Slot, despite spending a break in Dubai, was actively analyzing matches and devising strategies to fix the team's form, demonstrating his calm approach despite media scrutiny. The team's upcoming fixtures are challenging, including matches against Eintracht Frankfurt, Brentford, Aston Villa, and Manchester City, with a Champions League tie against Real Madrid also on the horizon. Slot has privately acknowledged the difficulty of Dutch media questioning but remains largely unfazed by external noise. A crucial factor for... download the app to read more