Arne Slot expressed his satisfaction with Liverpool’s performance after their narrow 1-0 win against RB Leipzig in Wednesday’s Champions League match.
Darwin Nunez’s first-half strike proved decisive in a hard-fought contest in Germany, securing Liverpool’s third consecutive victory in the group stage.
Nunez’s goal continued the impressive form Liverpool has displayed under Slot since his appointment at Anfield this summer. With this latest victory, the Reds have now won 11 out of their last 12 matches across all competitions, demonstrating their consistency and strength under their new manager.
Despite the result, the match at Red Bull Arena was anything but straightforward. Leipzig posed a significant challenge, particularly in the later stages, requiring Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher to make two crucial saves to preserve the win. The hosts threatened late in the game, but Liverpool’s defensive resilience ensured they walked away with all three points.
Slot addressed the media after the match and provided his thoughts on the performance, the challenges Leipzig posed, and his reflections on individual contributions, including that of goalscorer Darwin Nunez.
On the Match and Whether the Scoreline Could Have Been More Comfortable
Reflecting on the game, Slot admitted that Liverpool didn’t get off to the best start, particularly in the opening 10 to 15 minutes. However, after a sluggish beginning, he was pleased with the way his team responded and took control of the game. “I don’t think we started the game really well,” Slot said, “but after that, I liked a lot of what I saw.”
He praised his team’s ability to break through Leipzig’s pressing, frequently bypassing their midfield to create attacking opportunities. Slot noted that it was this type of play that led to Nunez’s goal and several other chances. Despite the number of opportunities created, the game remained tight, and Liverpool was forced to rely on their defenders and goalkeeper to see out the result.
“I think it’s a pity that after 60 or 70 minutes the game wasn’t already decided,” Slot commented, hinting that Liverpool should have been more clinical. “That’s why the last 20 minutes were still difficult for us.” He expressed frustration that, despite their control, they still needed crucial interventions from their center-backs and goalkeeper late in the game to secure the win.
On Nunez’s Performance and the Nature of His Goal
Slot was also asked about Darwin Nunez’s contribution and whether he was pleased with the nature of the striker’s goal. While Nunez’s name appeared on the scoresheet, Slot emphasized that the goal was the result of collective effort rather than just individual brilliance.
“I’m always happy when we score a goal,” Slot said. He pointed out that the build-up play involving Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah was just as important as Nunez’s finish. “What I liked from Darwin,” he continued, “was that he was strong, comfortable on the ball, kept possession well, and fought hard when defending.”
Slot highlighted Nunez’s overall contribution, praising his work rate and ability to make life difficult for Leipzig’s central defenders throughout the match. “For him to score, it’s always nice for a striker,” Slot added, acknowledging the importance of his goal to both the team and the player’s confidence.
On Concerns Over Liverpool’s ‘Lack of Dominance’
One of the questions posed to Slot suggested that Liverpool did not dominate the match as much as they might have. Slot was quick to respond, defending his team’s performance and asserting that Liverpool had controlled much of the game, despite Leipzig’s periods of pressure.
“You thought we didn’t dominate?” Slot questioned, clearly disagreeing with the premise. He explained that playing against strong opposition, especially away from home, naturally results in moments where the other team exerts pressure. “If you play a pot one team away, there will always be moments in the game where the other team has some opportunities,” Slot said.
Slot believed that for large portions of the game, Liverpool had “total dominance,” much like they had in previous matches. He stressed that Liverpool had more possession, created more chances, and controlled the game for significant stretches. “I am not worried at all about this game,” Slot added. He contrasted it with Liverpool’s earlier match against Chelsea, which he felt had been a more concerning performance.
While acknowledging that there were difficult phases in the game, especially in the first 10 minutes and the final 20, Slot noted that this is to be expected at the highest level of football. “At this level, this is what happens in football,” he concluded, dismissing any major concerns over his team’s ability to control matches.
On Substituting Mohamed Salah With Sunday’s Arsenal Clash in Mind
Slot also explained his decision to substitute Mohamed Salah during the second half, a move that raised eyebrows given Salah’s importance to the team. Slot revealed that his decision was influenced by the upcoming fixture against Arsenal on Sunday, as well as the congested fixture schedule.
“It’s a tough fixture list that we have,” Slot said. He acknowledged that some players, like Curtis Jones, were not used to playing two games in quick succession. With injuries mounting, Slot emphasized the importance of managing players’ fitness carefully, particularly those like Salah, who play regularly.
“Mo is one of them,” Slot said, referring to Salah’s heavy workload. “On Sunday, a big game is coming up again.” Slot made it clear that he is trying to rotate the squad to ensure all his players are fresh and ready for the challenging weeks and months ahead.
On Setting Records and Chasing Trophies
With Liverpool continuing their remarkable run under Slot, the question of records naturally came up during the press conference. Slot acknowledged the significance of setting new records, especially at a club with Liverpool’s rich history, but he was quick to downplay their importance compared to the pursuit of silverware.
“I think I said it before – we should be proud because so many great teams have worn this shirt, so many great managers have been at this club,” Slot reflected. Setting records at such a prestigious club, where so much has already been achieved, is no small feat, and Slot recognized the honour of contributing to Liverpool’s history.
However, Slot was clear that records alone are not his primary focus. “Records are nice, but there is something else that is more nice than records,” Slot hinted. Without directly saying it, he was referring to the pursuit of trophies, which remains his and the club’s ultimate goal.
Slot’s post-match comments reflected a manager who is pleased with his team’s overall progress and performance but remains aware of the challenges ahead. While Liverpool has been dominant in many aspects, Slot’s focus is on maintaining consistency, managing player fitness, and ensuring the team is ready for the bigger challenges, both domestically and in Europe.
The win over RB Leipzig demonstrated Liverpool’s ability to grind out results, even in difficult matches. Slot’s remarks suggest he is confident in his squad’s ability to continue their impressive form, but he also knows that tougher tests lie ahead. With Arsenal next on the horizon and a busy schedule to navigate, Slot’s management will be crucial in keeping Liverpool competitive on all fronts.
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