In fullArne Slot's first programme notes of 2026: 'Now is the time to kick on'

The Reds are unbeaten in their last seven matches in all competitions and begin the new calendar year at Anfield by facing the side they drew 3-3 with in early December.

In his column in the matchday programme, the head coach writes: "It has been only one month since our two clubs last met but a lot has happened in that period, with a busy run of fixtures producing good results for both teams.

"On that eventful night at Elland Road we showed our quality, particularly in open play, and did really well to score three goals at a stadium that is known to be difficult for visiting teams, but we also let ourselves down at key moments, which led to us dropping two points.

"I said afterwards that the nature of that result meant everyone who cares about Liverpool would feel the same sense of disappointment – the players, staff and supporters especially – and this is why I am so pleased with our response.

"I would be the first to say it has not been perfect and that there are a number of areas where we still need to find improvement and consistency.

"But at the same time, we have won four successive matches, which has allowed us to find some stability as we continue to strive for our best form.

"In fairness, similar can be said about our opponents tonight as Leeds are unbeaten in five after losing narrowly to Manchester City at the start of December.

"In this period, they have drawn with us, beaten Chelsea and won against Crystal Palace, all of which underlines that they are in a good moment and will come here with confidence and belief.

"Knowing this means we should expect to need a similar mentality to the kind we had against Wolves in our last home game.

"That was not a vintage Liverpool performance I would say – although some of our football was excellent at times, particularly in the first half – but the players showed fight and desire throughout and this was enough to get us over the line.

"Our aim, of course, is to perform in a way that allows us to get over the line in a little bit more comfort than has been the case in our last couple of games, even though we are competing in a league in which every team is willing and able to battle until the very last second.

"For one reason or another, this has been more challenging for us than we would like this season, but there are also promising signs with the new players having more of an influence and the understanding between all of our players getting better after a summer of change.

"The hope and also the expectation would be that these elements will continue to improve in the second half of the season.

"Last season we were able to succeed with a group of players who, by and large, had been together for some time, so it makes sense that there would be a period of adaptation when this situation changed.

"We were aware that this was likely to happen during the summer and injuries have meant some of our new signings have not been available to us as much as we would have liked, but there is no question that now is the time to kick on.

"I would like to welcome Daniel Farke, his players and staff as well as the directors and supporters of Leeds United to Anfield for tonight's game.

"I know this is a fixture which has a lot of history and even though I have only experienced it once myself, I know already that it is also one which creates a lot of passion and intensity. I am sure it will be no different this time around.

"Finally, I would like to conclude by wishing all of our supporters a Happy New Year.

"The last twelve months were memorable for all of us for the best of reasons and also the worst of reasons, but we had you with us every single step of the way.

"For that I will always be incredibly grateful, so I wish you nothing but the best for 2026 because that is what you deserve."

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