Arne Slot quotes Michael Jordan in response to ‘lucky’ Liverpool claims as he urges team to treat Southampton clash like a cup final

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted Liverpool rode their luck against PSG on Wednesday but they’ve largely been responsible for their own luck this season.

Paris Saint-Germain were good value for a two or three-goal win in the Champions League last-16 first leg but ended up with nothing after Harvey Elliott struck with his first touch after coming on as a substitute.

The Reds had just two shots on the night while their hosts had 27 and 71 per cent of the ball but an inspired display from goalkeeper Alisson Becker helped keep them at bay.

‘We were not a little bit (lucky), we were very, very, very lucky!’ Slot said on Friday in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Southampton.

‘But as Michael Jordan said, the harder you work, the bigger luck you have.’

Slot was also asked if Liverpool have been lucky this season in general, something fans of their rivals have claimed.

‘If you think injuries are only luck or bad luck, then we’ve been lucky, but we’ve tried to prevent them from a certain way of working,’ he replied. 

‘So, that we didn’t have many injuries, I don’t see that as luck.’

The Dutchman also called on both players and fans to treat the visit of the Saints as a cup final.

A victory would see his side go 16 points clear with Arsenal visiting Manchester United on Sunday. 

Most see the game against the top flight’s bottom club as a formality with much of the focus on next week’s second leg with PSG and Carabao Cup final against Newcastle.   

‘For me the one against Southampton is by far the most important,’ Slot said.

‘I have to convince my players we play three finals and I am hoping that I influence our fans so they understand how important they are going to be.

‘I hope they will not come into the stadium five minutes before kick-off, I’m hoping the stadium is already filled half-an-hour before so these players get the reward for what they did in Paris.

‘I know the final is there and everyone is already talking to me about how the atmosphere will be on a Champions League night but truly I hope our fans will be at their loudest tomorrow.’