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Liverpool’s Arne Slot joins Man City’s Ruben Dias in complaining about Premier League tactic

Liverpool, who have already won the league, have drawn eight and lost three of their 36 games, and Slot believes there is a specific reason behind those dropped points.

Liverpool's manager Arne Slot, centre, greets Liverpool's Ryan Gravenberch at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Leicester City and Liverpool at King Power stadium in Leicester, England, Sunday, April 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has spoken out against teams using a certain tactic to counter their style of play and cause them to lose points. Liverpool, who have already won the league, have drawn eight and lost three of their 36 games, and Slot believes there is a specific reason behind those dropped points.

“Teams got to know us better and tried to find answers to our playing style. But one of the things you cannot do anything about is that tactics are being used that have nothing to do with football,” said the Liverpool boss.

“Delaying the start of the game, pretending you are injured, taking one minute for a free-kick, one minute for a throw-in. That is my main worry. Every time we drop points, that happened… goalkeepers taking one and a half minutes. When we have dropped points, that tactic was used. I like to say it now after winning the league, not losing a game.”

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Slot chose to speak on time wasting in the Premier League after Manchester City dropped points in a goalless draw against Southampton, who are last in the league. While the German didn’t think the timing of Dias’ comments were right, he agreed with the sentiment of the Portuguese defender.

“Ruben Dias said something about it too, which is not always the best moment to say it after dropping points. But for me he was right,” said Slot. “Southampton can do what they want but I think we as a league must find an answer. People always tell you the Premier League is so intense, so intense!

“But there are tactics to slow the game down. I don’t wake up during the night but if I did I might be like … ’S***! There’s no answer to be found to that type of play.’”