Arne Slot joins Virgil van Dijk in hitting back at Michael Owen

LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot joined his captain in pushing back at Michael Owen’s suggestion that there will be “a little bit of a bitter taste” if the Reds end the season with just the English Premier League trophy.

Former Ballon d’Or winner Owen, a Liverpool youth product who scored 158 times for the club, had said: “Liverpool were poised to have a phenomenal season.

“If they win the Premier League it’ll still be fantastic, but with a little bit of a bitter taste because it was building into something special.”

The Reds topped the Champions League group stage but were knocked out in the last 16 on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain before losing the League Cup final to Newcastle United, both in March.

In February, they were bundled out of the FA Cup by second-tier strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

In an interview after the midweek win over Everton, Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk hit back at Owen, saying: “So you’re suggesting the season is not going to be special any more?

“I think we have to change that narrative... I think no one expected us to even try to fight on all four fronts. Obviously we’re at the stage now where we’re still fighting for the biggest, and that’s the reality. It’s still a possibility that this season will be very, very special.”

When asked about that exchange on April 4, ahead of the Premier League trip to Fulham on April 6, Slot said: “Let me understand it right, Virgil was a bit frustrated because it came across as it’s not enough to only win the Premier League?

“Michael did play for us, didn’t he? So he is aware of the fact that in 35 years we won the league once? There is your answer. If you can win