Arne Slot has emphasized the importance of securing a top-eight Champions League finish for Liverpool after their commanding 3-0 victory over Marseille at the Orange Vélodrome. The win propelled Liverpool to fourth in the standings, increasing their chances of advancing directly to the last 16 and avoiding the play-off round.

Liverpool delivered a disciplined and efficient performance against Marseille, demonstrating control in crucial moments and capitalizing on their opponents' mistakes. Dominik Szoboszlai's clever free-kick just before halftime set the tone, and an own goal from Geronimo Rulli in the second half further solidified Liverpool's lead. Cody Gakpo's late goal added gloss to the scoreline, securing a comfortable away win for the Reds.

Slot acknowledged the challenges of playing against Marseille, citing their passionate fans, the quality of their players, and the tactical prowess of their manager, Roberto De Zerbi. He said his team was well-prepared and effectively disrupted Marseille's play, limiting their clear-cut chances. Liverpool's defensive unit, led by Virgil van Dijk, looked comfortable, restricting Marseille's ability to build momentum.

Liverpool's win against Marseille extended their unbeaten run to 13 matches in all competitions, showcasing their growing authority in Europe under Slot. Slot highlighted the team's resilience and ability to bounce back from setbacks, despite a demanding season with numerous injuries. He also noted that Liverpool have been in a leading position for the majority of their recent matches, demonstrating their consistency.

Looking ahead, Liverpool will face Qarabag at Anfield in their final group stage match. A win would secure their place in the top eight and guarantee automatic qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. Slot is aiming to make an impact on the European stage, an area where the team fell short last season. Despite some inconsistent performances in the Premier League, Liverpool have shown their ability to secure impressive wins in Europe.

The victory in Marseille not only boosts Liverpool's Champions League ambitions but also provides a platform to build momentum and confidence for the remainder of the season. With Mohamed Salah back in the starting lineup, Liverpool's attack looks more potent, and the team's overall performance suggests they are well-placed to achieve their goals in both domestic and European competitions.