Programme notesArne Slot: I know what makes the FA Cup special - I'm excited to sample it

Slot's side start their journey in this season's edition in the third round by taking on opposition from League Two.

The head coach views the tie as an opportunity for the Reds to immediately get back on track following the midweek defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.

In his column in today's matchday programme, Slot writes: "Even though the FA Cup is new to me as a participant, like everyone else who watched English football growing up, I do have 'experience' of what makes it such a special competition. So I am looking forward to sampling it for the first time as a participant.

"I am sure also that our opponents today will have similar excitement about this occasion and I would like to welcome John Doolan and the players, staff and supporters to Anfield.

"Accrington have earned their place in the third round with two very good wins against Rushall and Swindon Town, so we know they will be looking to do themselves justice once again.

"For us, it is about looking to get back to winning ways. We have not done too much wrong over the last week but we have not been able to get the results that we would have liked and this is something that we need to respond to.

"The defeat we suffered against Tottenham in midweek was disappointing because there was not really a period during the game when it felt likely that we might lose.

"I will not dwell on the reasons that were out of our control leading up to the decisive goal but at the same time it would not make sense to ignore them altogether because they were so unusual and so significant.

"But as I said immediately afterwards, if we have to lose a game I would always prefer it to be one when there is a second leg to come. This does not make it OK to lose but it does mean we still have an opportunity to put things right. That chance will not come for a while but that does not mean we should not start the process straight away.

"One of the positives that we can definitely take forward is the support we received from our fans. Seeing so many of you with us in London on a Wednesday night in early January was really impressive, particularly as we have had a lot of big away trips lately.

"It was also really important that you showed your support for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] when he came onto the field in the second half. This, to me, is one of the things that makes the Liverpool fans so special.

"There are always going to be times when things are not easy but that makes it even more important that we stick together no matter what. This, to me, is what You'll Never Walk Alone means and this is why it is such an important song and also a saying at this club. If we stay together, we can only improve our chances of being successful."

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