Arne Slot, the Liverpool head coach, addressed a variety of questions during a press conference ahead of his team’s Premier League clash against Brentford at Anfield.
Reflecting on his first Premier League game at Anfield, Slot mentioned that while it’s not his first experience at the iconic stadium, having previously played against Sevilla, he is eager for his first league game there. Slot noted that he anticipates every game with enthusiasm, and this one is no different.
When asked about managing nerves as a coach, Slot expressed confidence in his preparations and his team. He downplayed any sense of nervousness, emphasizing that nerves are a sign of distrust in one’s work or team. Slot believes in the thorough preparation by his staff and the capabilities of his players, which he hopes will shine through on Sunday.
Slot remained tight-lipped on transfer discussions, stating that the club will only comment on transfers once they are completed. He also reiterated his confidence in the current squad, citing the quality and potential of the young players he inherited. Slot acknowledged that while the squad is still a work in progress, especially with many players having only been with the team for three weeks, he feels they are on the right track. He also emphasized the importance of adapting to the opposition’s playstyle, as was evident in their match against Ipswich.
Slot continues to learn about his squad daily, observing how players interact and perform both in games and in training. He highlighted the importance of the entire squad, noting that even those who didn’t play on Saturday showed great commitment in training on Sunday. Slot is still familiarizing himself with the players, having worked with some for only a short time.
On Joe Gomez, Slot praised his work ethic since returning from a limited role at the Euros. Gomez has been managed carefully to build up his fitness and had a good week of training, with Slot observing positive developments in his game. The coach is pleased with the progress both Gomez and the team have made in recent weeks.
Regarding the summer business with Brentford, Slot commended the transfers of Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg, acknowledging their desire for more playing time. He believes the deals were beneficial for all parties involved, though he jokingly hoped they wouldn’t perform too well against Liverpool on Sunday.
Slot also spoke highly of Brentford’s manager, Thomas Frank, noting the tactical flexibility his team displayed in their recent match against Crystal Palace. Slot respects the work Frank has done over the years, acknowledging the challenge Brentford will pose.
Discussing Jarell Quansah’s reaction to being substituted at half-time against Ipswich, Slot appreciated the player’s eagerness to improve, mentioning Quansah’s request to train instead of taking a recovery day. Despite picking up a minor injury, Quansah’s attitude was praised, and Slot clarified that any criticism was directed at the team’s overall performance, not just Quansah’s.
On the topic of selling young players, Slot acknowledged the difficulty in balancing their development with the needs of the team. He emphasized that the club must sometimes let young players go if they are not getting enough playing time, especially when competing with established stars like Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah. Slot highlighted the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, noting that they continue to train and develop young players like Trey Nyoni.
Slot affirmed that while Virgil van Dijk is a key player, competition remains fierce among the team’s center-backs. He emphasized that all players, including van Dijk and Mo Salah, must continue to perform at a high level.
Finally, Slot discussed Ryan Gravenberch’s potential in the No.6 position, praising his physical attributes and comfort with the ball. However, Slot cautioned that Gravenberch, like all players, still has much to prove in that role. He mentioned the strong competition within the squad, which he sees as beneficial.
Regarding Gomez’s future, Slot expects all current players to stay but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of football, where circumstances can change rapidly.
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