Why Arne Slot believes COFFEE is fuelling Liverpool’s Premier League title bid

LIVERPOOL’S Premier League title bid is being fuelled by daily coffee-shop chats.

Arne Slot’s Kopuccino kings — who have bean top of the table since November — built a coffee bar for the players at their Kirkby training centre.

This is where they can meet, eat and sink some caffeine when they are not roasting opponents on the pitch.

The foundations of championship-winning sides are built upon strong bonds within the dressing room.

In the 1980s and 90s, players would head to the pub to socialise but these days, modern ultra-professionals will meet as a group over a cuppa.

Liverpool manager Slot said: “They have always had breakfast together. What has changed, and what you see a lot, is we have created a coffee bar here.

“Players sit down over there, talk to each other, have a lot of fun together.

“If you have a coffee bar and you don’t have results, probably you don’t see the same vibe there. But I think it all adds towards success.

“I believe you need to have a good training ground. You need to have a good programme.

“You definitely need to have good people. I took a few people to this club who I think are doing their jobs really well and are good human beings. But the ones who already worked here are great professionals and great human beings also.

“Add that to a great facility, great players and a great mentality, then that can lead to a successful period.”

Normally so cool and calm, Slot was surprisingly enraged by Everton’s wild celebrations following the 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the last Merseyside derby at Goodison on Wednesday.

Post-match, Slot was sent off and faces a possible ban after being charged by the FA with abusing ref Michael Oliver and his assistant.

Slot has refused to apologise but accepts he would have acted differently with the benefit of hindsight.

The Dutchman, 46, said: “In general or 99 per cent of the time, I can cope with my emotions quite well.

“But yeah, it’s clear that I couldn’t cope with my emotions well enough during the game.

“Especially after the game. That had all to do with how the intentional five minutes ended up being eight extra-time minutes.

“Emotions took over after these seven or eight minutes, which I don’t think will ever be the same again in terms of all the games I’m going to play as a manager.

“But still, if, if, if it happens next time, I should act differently. That’s completely clear.

“I saw players coping much better than they did last season. Mentally, I mean. That’s the biggest win and gain we could have gotten from this game.

“That gives us a lot of confidence for the upcoming 14 games.

“Because we already knew that in terms of playing football, we’re quite good at that.”

Before hosting Wolves at Anfield today, Liverpool’s lead at the top was cut to four points following Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester.

The Reds are on the longest current unbeaten run in English league football — 20 games — as they chase a second Prem crown, although they did exit the FA Cup at Championship side Plymouth.

Slot added: “In general, the second half of the season for everyone is harder because teams are coming closer to the line.

“So they’re fighting maybe harder to stay up, for Europe or league position.”