Liverpool manager, Arne Slot has urged his squad to stay locked into the present moment as the Reds battle to ensure their place in next season’s Champions League, warning that the race for European qualification in the Premier League remains finely balanced and that a single poor result could alter the picture significantly.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to face Crystal Palace, Slot acknowledged that while there are internal discussions about planning for next season, his primary concern is seeing out the current campaign with Champions League football secured. Liverpool currently sit fifth in the Premier League table following back-to-back league victories, holding a five-point cushion over Brighton, who have played one game fewer. Under the Premier League’s arrangement with UEFA, the top five clubs qualify automatically for the Champions League.

The campaign has been a mixed one for the Dutch coach. A title-winning debut season gave way to a challenging defence, and Liverpool’s European run came to an end following a quarter-final exit to Paris Saint-Germain. Yet Slot has tried to draw encouragement from his side’s domestic form over the past two months, pointing out that they have accumulated 16 points from their last eight league games, despite also suffering heavy defeats to PSG and Manchester City in cup competitions during the same stretch.

The visit to Selhurst Park, however, presents a stern test. Liverpool have played Crystal Palace three times already this season and have failed to win on any occasion, losing to Oliver Glasner’s side on penalties in the Community Shield before further defeats in the league and the League Cup. Slot was candid about the challenge, saying his full focus was on Palace precisely because of that record.

Adding to Slot’s selection headaches, first-choice goalkeeper Alisson Becker remains sidelined through injury, and backup Giorgi Mamardashvili picked up a knock in last weekend’s Merseyside derby. Should Alisson not recover in time, Freddie Woodman would be called upon to start between the posts. Slot, though, struck an optimistic note on the Brazilian’s fitness, suggesting he is close to a return and could yet feature.