Manager Arne Slot has identified securing a top-four finish in the Premier League as Liverpool's primary objective for the current season. This assessment follows a period of underperformance, with the team winning only two of their last nine league matches.

The situation became critical on Wednesday when Liverpool drew 1-1 against newly promoted Sunderland at Anfield. This result has positioned the team in ninth place in the league standings, trailing Chelsea, who hold the fourth position, by two points. The upcoming match against Leeds United is crucial for improving their league position.

Slot commented on the competitiveness of the Premier League, stating, "This tells us how good the Premier League is this season. It was already competitive last season, but it continues to get better every single year, largely due to financial investments by clubs that have elevated the overall quality of the league." He added, "The margins are incredibly tight, and it’s definitely our first aim to return to the top four because we are not satisfied with our current standing."

Slot's decision to bench star forward Mohamed Salah for the second consecutive match has attracted attention from fans and analysts. Although Salah was utilized as a substitute during the match against Sunderland, Slot did not disclose whether he would return to the starting eleven against Leeds.

In addressing the decision to not start Salah, Slot stated, "It’s completely normal. If I don’t play players I have just brought to the club, we are already discussing it, so it’s only natural that people talk about it when a player of Mo’s caliber isn’t starting." He further explained, "Every player is in my mind to start a game because we have many talented individuals. Mo has been an exceptional player, and he is always in my thoughts, whether to start or to come in as a substitute."

As Liverpool strives to overcome this challenging phase, the focus remains on improving performance and regaining a top-tier position in the Premier League. The effectiveness of Slot's leadership and decision-making will be critical in influencing the club's outcomes in the forthcoming matches.