Aston Villa fans taunt Arne Slot with chant as Liverpool suffer 4-2 defeat

 Slot said to BBC MOTD, as per BBC Sport’s live blog:

“After 2-1 it went away from us. Before that I think we started well in the first 10 minutes of the second half then we had control of the game without creating chances – but that is not the first time this season. At 1-1 we were close to going 2-1 and then conceding the goal at 2-1 the way we conceded the goal is something we haven’t had this season yet. We have conceded a lot of goals this season which you’d find hard to believe unless you live it and that’s what we did today. Villa were the better team after that and the game went away from us.

“It’s not about me or how frustrated I am it’s frustrating for everyone involved – players, staff and definitely fans. Frustrating for players who came back and in football you can slip [Dominik Szoboszlai], but it’s so unfortunate. That is something that’s probably part of our season. We know what to do next week.”

Why has away form been so poor? “In general teams struggle more away from home but for a top team like us it’s far too many losses and dropped points. That hugely has to do with the way we concede is far too easy in general. We have chances but we’ve not been as clinical in fishing them this season as we were last season. It doesn’t help that [Alexander] Isak has hardly played for us or that Hugo [Ekitike] has been unavailable. It is what it is. Next week, Brentford is where our focus is.”

On position as manager? “It’s not about me it’s about us being disappointed with the result. I spoke yesterday on it and that’s enough. Our focus is on the Brentford game and making sure we earn the support of the fans by starting the game aggressive and well. The culmination of the fan support and a good performance will lead us to what we want to achieve and that is qualifying for the Champions League.”

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery speaking to Sky Sports: “Fantastic, today the match was very important for us because the the priority was the Premier League. We faced Liverpool and tested ourselves. It was a tough match in the first half but the second half was fantastic. I am grateful for the supporters. Champions League, this is something amazing.”

On playing in multiple competitions: “To compete in both competitions and being consistent is not easy, we had fantastic season in the Premier League. I am so proud.

On the season: “We try to be demanding in both competitions and we are very serious preparing for games, knowing the difficulties. We started poor in the Premier League, the second part of the season, we lost lots at home but we did it. Before the match I was worried about the level we had to play at but I am so happy at how we did it.

On the Europa League final: “Now we focus on final. We have to focus 100%, be ready. To play finals is very difficult. We are going to enjoy it.”

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins speaking to Sky Sports:

“An amazing achievement. What we have done this season after the start we had – a poor start where we hardly scored and didn’t win for six games – there was a lot of doubt and negativity around the club and he feeling in camp. We’ve turned it around with some big performances. Amazing to play in the Champions League, a lot of amazing teams, football that everyone watches and the competition that everyone is striving to play in.”

On success against Liverpool: “Liverpool play a high line and don’t play offside so they’re disjointed at the back and feel like there’s a lot of space for me to run into. No disrespect to them, the centre backs are world class but I spot space and opportunities. I like to run in behind.

“Just before the goal, I was disappointed because I went offside, they play such a high line. I shouldn’t be offside in that position but to grab that goal a minute later, me and Morgan [Rogers] have a great connection.

“Buzzing Pau [Torres] missed that, I knew I wasn’t offside. It’s horrible when it goes to VAR you never know but you can’t ask for anything more as a striker with a little tap in there.”

On current form: “I had a slow start to the season, picking up a few niggles on international duty and then being left out of the England squad. I think it gave me that fire in my belly to come back and prove to people what I can do. A lot of people had written me off this season and I use that as motivation to show them that I can be back to my best – scoring and helping the team. I think I’ve showed that for the last few games.

“I’m taking each game as it comes. Being in the Europa League final is an amazing achievement. Excitment arund the club, everyone is buzzing and we’ll leave it all on the pitch on Wednesday.”

Aston Villa’s John McGinn speaking to Sky Sports:

“We had to get over line, we’ve lost the last few league performances.”

On being confident: “We need to be. How can you not be. It allows us to be excited and enjoy Wednesday properly.”

On Ollie Watkins: “I wish he was Scottish. He was obviously disappointed in March but if it gave him a kick up the backside he’s certainly responded in the best way. We’re so fortunate to have him, what he’s done for this club the past few seasons has been incredible. I think he may have just snuck his way on to that plane. Hopefully he can carry that into next week.”

On the Europa League Final: “The supporters have got to enjoy it. We’re slight favourites but in finals anything can happen. We’ve got to stay focused. It’s what you dream of when you’re young. You’ve got to enjoy it but have fun.”