Conor Bradley is thriving under the guidance of Arne Slot, praising the Dutch manager for bringing a “really refreshing” approach, even though the right-back admits Slot demands a lot from his players.
Bradley is expected to make his first start of the season on Wednesday night, as Liverpool face West Ham at Anfield in the third round of the League Cup.
Although the 21-year-old has yet to start a game, Slot has made it clear that Bradley is part of his plans, bringing him off the bench in Liverpool’s first four league matches—often at the expense of Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com ahead of the West Ham clash, Bradley shared his thoughts on working under Slot, describing the experience as a breath of fresh air. “It’s been refreshing hearing a new voice and learning new tactics,” he said.
Bradley further explained Slot’s expectations of him, particularly regarding his role as a full-back. “He expects a lot from us,” Bradley noted. “At times, he wants us to push high and move inside or sometimes high and wide. Other times, we drop into a back four to help with the build-up.”
The young defender admitted that while the demands are high, it’s all about learning and adapting. “It’s about making sure we understand and follow his instructions. I’ve really enjoyed it. The different ways he wants us to play are definitely improving me as a player.”
Bradley recently featured for Northern Ireland during the international break, where he continues to cement his importance to the national team. In their September games against Luxembourg and Bulgaria, he showcased his versatility by playing as a right midfielder.
When asked what areas he has been focusing on, Bradley listed several aspects. “I’ve been working on loads of different things. My runs into the final third as a right-back, improving my defending—really just working on every part of my game to become a better player overall.”
He also expressed his enthusiasm for learning under Slot’s guidance. “It’s been a great experience. I’ve really enjoyed it, and it’s been a strong start to the season.”
With Alexander-Arnold’s contract situation up in the air—his deal is set to expire at the end of the season—Bradley is well aware that there may soon be a chance for him to step into a bigger role. For now, though, his focus is on proving to Slot that he’s ready to meet the manager’s expectations and adapt to his style of play.
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