NewsArne Slot's Burnley programme notes: 'There are levels we still need to reach'

The Reds welcome the Clarets to Anfield in the Premier League in a 3pm GMT kick-off, having recently moved to 11 games unbeaten across all competitions.

Offering pre-match thoughts in his matchday programme column, the head coach writes: "Today's game comes on the back of a run of form that has allowed us to stabilise after a difficult period, but at the same time we are very much aware that there are levels that we still need to reach.

"This was again clear in our most recent game at home to Barnsley. The result was good, we scored four excellent goals, and we were very happy to reach the next round of the FA Cup, but we cannot and will not ignore those areas of our performance that we need to improve.

"Key to this is finding ways to ensure that the amount of possession we have is matched by the number of chances we are able to create.

"That is one of the main challenges that English football brings right now and it is one which we encountered against today's opponents in the opening weeks of this season.

"In many ways, that game was a sign of things to come. Burnley were very effective in terms of denying us space and opportunities, so we found it difficult to break them down, having to wait until deep into stoppage time for the winning goal to arrive from a penalty.

"Becoming better at dealing with this kind of challenge is crucial because it is not going anywhere any time soon. So, we need to be completely ready, not just today but in all of our games because this is the only way to build on the progress that we have made.

"What should not be in any doubt, though, is the commitment of every single one of us to take the next steps and also the desire to play the style of football which our fans and ourselves want.

"These objectives have been present from the moment I first walked in the door at Liverpool and they are still there now. Unfortunately, we will continue on this journey in the knowledge that we will be without Conor Bradley being with us for a while.

"As you will no doubt know by now, earlier this week Conor underwent surgery on the knee injury he sustained against Arsenal meaning the period will be about injury recovery rather than playing for him. This is a big blow - for Conor and for us.

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"We had hoped that this season would be his time and after struggling with a couple of muscle injuries earlier on, in recent weeks he started to make some big strides. He was in the team, getting better and better, staying fit and then this happens.

"I will not look for false positives in this situation because, as I said, it is a big blow for Conor, for Liverpool and also for Northern Ireland, but knowing the personality of the player he will continue to respond with fight, with desire and with a determination to get back playing at the earliest possible opportunity.

"As with Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni, we will be with him every step of the way and I know our supporters will be with him as well. This is a club which is built on the principle of sticking together when times are tough and this applies especially when one of our own is in need of support."