Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Discusses Squad Fitness, Player Competition, and Upcoming Matches Against Tottenham

Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed the media in advance of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Tottenham, scheduled for a 16:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the principal points from his press conference: Centre-back Ibrahima Konate and right-back Conor Bradley are the sole two players currently injured and yet to rejoin team training. Slot indicated that the effort he and the performance team dedicated to the pre-season plan has been successful, as only these two players sustained injuries. He stated: “We gave them quite a lot of days off – although the players wouldn’t agree, I’m sure – and I feel we find the benefits of that in this moment.” Meanwhile, Italy forward Federico Chiesa “is definitely getting stronger” after increasing his playing time on Wednesday at Southampton, but he “is also facing a lot of competition in that right-wing position.” Regarding the opportunity for academy players in the Carabao Cup, Slot commented: “Most of the clubs [left in the competition] have played with their starters and only a few have picked non-starters. If we miss a few players, then we take a look at our academy and that is part of our identity. There is always room for them.” He described Harvey Elliott’s return as “a boost for the team” and highlighted that having players back at this stage of the season is “so important” when competing on four fronts. Slot drew a comparison between how he instructs players to manage games and his role as a father, remarking: “If you don’t tell them a few things regularly enough, they tend to forget! Re-application is so important for a team. Maybe small details change, as football changes, but the main message has always been the same.” Slot mentioned that drawing Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final “is interesting,” but noted that with “four top teams still in it, so no easy one.” He expressed admiration for Spurs despite their inconsistent first half of the season: “I really have to give them credit because if I look at Tottenham, they have always been a certain brand and identity and [Ange] Postecoglou has given them that identity back completely. It is a joy to watch them.” Further discussing Postecoglou’s attacking system, Slot said: “I hope, hope, hope he wins a trophy, but not the League Cup! A fan for the Europa League. Trophies are important and his brand of football is important. If he wins, then you can stop talking about his style being too attacking.” Information regarding all Premier League news conferences from Friday, along with other football news for the day, is accessible. Complete commentary for the Tottenham versus Liverpool match will be broadcast starting at 16:30 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live. Sandi Toksvig will be accompanied by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Opportunities to sing along to music by Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and other artists are provided. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are returning for the celebrations at Longleat Safari Park. Topics covered include microplastics in air, soil, and waterways, as well as the current scope of food waste. © 2024 BBC. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their policy on external linking is available.