Arne Slot praised his Liverpool team for their intensity and tactical adaptability during their 4-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen at Anfield.
The Reds’ dominant second-half display, including a hat-trick from Luis Diaz, helped them secure a flawless record in the tournament after four matchdays.
The game’s breakthrough came in the 61st minute when Diaz found the net, with Cody Gakpo adding a second shortly after. Diaz then scored twice more late in the game to complete his first Liverpool hat-trick and seal the comprehensive victory against Xabi Alonso’s side.
On the Tactical Battle
Reflecting on the game, Slot noted how Leverkusen’s tactics presented unique challenges. “Managers often alter their approach at Anfield, and Leverkusen was no exception,” he observed. Slot was surprised to see Victor Boniface positioned on the left rather than in his usual central role, allowing Leverkusen to stack the midfield. This made it difficult for Liverpool to press effectively in the first half. Nonetheless, Slot felt Liverpool had the better chances and said the team made key adjustments at halftime to handle Leverkusen’s unusual 4-4-2 formation and improve their ball control.
On Starting Diaz as a Central Striker
Slot explained the decision to play Diaz in a central attacking role, citing both injury constraints and strategic considerations. With Diogo Jota and Federico Chiesa unavailable, and Darwin Nunez still building form, Slot only had four forwards to rotate. Slot noted that Jonathan Tah, a top German defender, might be more comfortable marking a traditional target man in the center. By positioning Diaz to drop into midfield or run in behind, they created new attacking angles, as seen in Diaz’s opening goal, assisted by a well-placed pass from Curtis Jones.
On Diaz’s Potential as a Regular Center Forward
Slot left open the possibility of using Diaz centrally more often, especially if injuries persist. He noted that the flexibility between Diaz and Gakpo offers options based on opponent setup. While Gakpo played more as a central striker last season, Slot felt Diaz’s versatility allowed him to exploit defensive gaps in ways that suited Liverpool’s needs against Leverkusen.
On Diaz’s Contribution
Slot highlighted Diaz’s popularity among Liverpool fans and the Colombian’s relentless work rate. While goals draw attention, Slot stressed the importance of Diaz’s defensive tracking and his overall contribution to Liverpool’s high-intensity style. He emphasized the need to manage player workloads, especially for wingers who cover substantial ground in both offense and defense. For Slot, Diaz is a regular starter, along with Gakpo, who also meets Slot’s demands for defensive work rate.
On the Challenge of Managing Liverpool
Slot acknowledged that managing Liverpool isn’t easy, despite the recent good results. He pointed to last Saturday’s game against Brighton, where Liverpool had to rally from a goal down, as an example of the constant intensity required to win. “Teams give their best at Anfield,” Slot said, noting the stadium’s unique atmosphere. He emphasized that Liverpool must consistently maintain high energy and resilience, especially with opponents always raising their game.
On Handling Pressure
Slot spoke about the pressure that comes with managing a top club like Liverpool, describing it as both a responsibility and a privilege. He acknowledged the high expectations placed on Liverpool players and managers, due to the club’s history and past success. Slot welcomes the challenge, saying he and the players embrace it to stay competitive across all competitions.
On Liverpool’s Late-Game Intensity
While pleased with Liverpool’s ability to raise their intensity late in games, Slot said he would prefer to see this from the opening whistle. He explained that both teams often start games with high energy, and Liverpool’s late-game advantage comes from their ability to sustain or even increase this intensity. Slot credited Brighton and Leverkusen for devising effective game plans, particularly in the first half, but praised his team’s work rate in containing possession-heavy opponents without conceding significant chances.
On Curtis Jones’ Development
Slot highlighted Curtis Jones’ growth and versatility, explaining that he initially played him in a more defensive “six” role, which didn’t bring out the best in him. Since then, Jones has improved significantly, showing confidence both close to the defense and in more attacking areas, where he can assist in the final third. Slot praised Jones’ progress since preseason, noting that his form has earned him more opportunities.
On Hearing His Name Chanted by the Kop
Slot expressed his gratitude after Liverpool fans chanted his name towards the game’s end. He credited former manager Jurgen Klopp for creating the chant, noting that such moments are special for any manager. Slot also appreciated that the fans acknowledged Alonso’s contributions to Liverpool and his achievements with Leverkusen, showing respect for both managers.
This recap of Slot’s remarks highlights his appreciation for his players’ dedication and his understanding of the challenges at Liverpool. Under his leadership, the team is navigating both tactical shifts and high expectations, which Slot embraces as they pursue success across competitions.
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