Liverpool manager Arne Slot has labeled his side’s FA Cup loss to Plymouth Argyle as "not acceptable" and urged a strong response in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.
A heavily rotated Liverpool side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Championship bottom club Plymouth on Sunday, crashing out of the FA Cup in a major upset.
The Reds now turn their focus to the Premier League, where a win against Everton at Goodison Park would extend their lead at the top to 9 points.
"We beat Accrington Stanley [in the FA Cup third round], but to lose against Plymouth is, of course, not acceptable," said Slot. "Our fans and the team are disappointed, and we have to show a different side of us on Wednesday."
The upcoming derby will be Slot’s first as Liverpool boss and the final one at Goodison Park before Everton moves to a new stadium next season.
The original fixture, scheduled for 7 December, was postponed due to Storm Darragh.
Everton, under new manager David Moyes, have won their last three league games but were eliminated from the FA Cup by Bournemouth on Saturday. Slot expects a "fantastic atmosphere" and urged his players to stay composed.
"They have to have a cool head but not cool legs," Slot said. "We must be ready for the intensity and emotions in the stadium."
Liverpool could be boosted by the return of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold from injury as they aim to bounce back from their FA Cup disappointment.
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