Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has countered Michael Owen’s remarks which questioned if winning the Premier League title would alone mark a successful season for the Reds.

Slot brands the suggestion “a strange question.”

Owen, who previously played for Liverpool as a striker, recently claimed that achieving domestic victory wouldn’t make up for the setbacks from the Champions League and Carabao Cup eliminations.

Slot, nonetheless, was clear that clinching the league title—especially for a club that has only achieved this feat once in the last 35 years—surpasses any other criteria for success.

“Michael did play for us, didn’t he? So he is aware that in 35 years we won the league once?” Slot stated pointedly.

“If you can win the league with this club then, phew, nothing else matters I would say.”

Slot’s remarks echo sentiments previously voiced by captain Virgil van Dijk, who also took exception to Owen’s view following the Merseyside derby.

The manager went on to highlight that expectations differ between clubs—pointing out that Manchester City, with a recent record of sustained domestic dominance, are in a different conversation entirely.

Slot also rejected claims that the title race has been devalued by inconsistent performances from rivals, arguing that the Premier League has never been more competitive.

“Even Pep [Guardiola] has said there won’t be another team getting 100 points again.

“Clubs fighting relegation now have players good enough to play for top-four teams,” Slot noted.

“The league is stronger, and that’s why our position means so much.”

Liverpool currently sit atop the league with 73 points from 30 games, losing just once all season.

With eight matches to go, Slot’s men are locked in a tense three-way title race and will face Fulham away on April 6 as they look to maintain momentum and silence critics.