Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has strongly responded to comments made by former Reds striker Michael Owen, who recently questioned whether securing only the Premier League title this season would be enough to consider it a successful campaign for the Merseyside giants.

In a press conference ahead of their next league fixture, Slot firmly shut down Owen’s suggestion, calling it “a strange question” and emphasizing that lifting the league trophy would be a massive accomplishment, given the historical context of Liverpool’s title drought.

Owen had earlier suggested that failure in the UEFA Champions League and Carabao Cup should temper any celebrations over a potential league triumph. But Slot insisted that winning the Premier League—a feat Liverpool have only managed once in the last 35 years—is a monumental achievement that should not be downplayed.

“Michael did play for us, didn’t he? So he is aware that in 35 years we won the league once?” Slot said in response. “If you can win the league with this club then, phew, nothing else matters I would say. That’s not something you get to do every season.”

Slot’s view mirrors that of club captain Virgil van Dijk, who also recently rejected Owen’s assessment following Liverpool’s derby win. Van Dijk described the league title as “the ultimate prize” and expressed full faith in the team’s pursuit of glory.

Further defending Liverpool’s title challenge, Slot pointed out that expectations at Anfield differ significantly from those at clubs like Manchester City, who have dominated English football in recent years and raised the bar in terms of consistency and squad depth.

“City are in a league of their own when it comes to setting records, but even Pep [Guardiola] has said no one will hit 100 points again,” Slot remarked. “We’re facing a different kind of Premier League now—one that’s more competitive, more physically demanding, and full of quality even at the lower end of the table.”

He went on to argue that the current level of competition is unprecedented: “You’ve got clubs battling relegation who have players capable of starting for top-four sides. That’s why every point counts, and our position right now means a lot more than people might realize.”

Liverpool currently lead the table with 73 points from 30 matches, having suffered just a single loss all season. With only eight games remaining, they are firmly in the mix for the title alongside Arsenal and Manchester City, making this one of the most tightly contested races in recent years.

The Reds are set to travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham on April 6, as they aim to continue their impressive form and keep their title hopes alive. A win would not only strengthen their lead but also send a clear message to critics like Owen that the Premier League crown is more than enough reason to celebrate.