Arne Slot Addresses Jota’s Availability, Nunez’s Goal Struggles, and Fulham Match

Liverpool manager Arne Slot addressed reporters in advance of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Fulham, which will be played at home with a 15:00 GMT kick-off. Below are the principal statements from his press conference: Federico Chiesa and Diogo Jota are fit for selection, with Slot indicating that Jota is “maybe in the squad.” Slot acknowledged that Chiesa “needs playing time” but noted that following months sidelined by injury, “it is difficult for a manager to give him his first minutes because you don’t know what you’re going to get.” Slot suggested that the Carabao Cup away fixture against Southampton next Wednesday might present a more appropriate opportunity. Slot expressed optimism that the duration Alisson required to return to his optimal performance level will contribute to the Liverpool goalkeeper’s sustained availability. Addressing the significance of the Brazil international goalkeeper in this week’s Champions League encounter with Girona, Slot remarked: “If we hadn’t conceded the amount of chances we did, then I would have had more positives about it. We relied on our goalkeeper.” He identified some positive aspects, including “the amount of shots we blocked and there was better defending in moments than against Newcastle.” Slot indicated that he had anticipated his team would appear revitalized in that match, given they had not played the previous weekend, thus “it was a surprise” that the players seemed more lethargic. Slot further commented: “Maybe it’s a good thing that we play so many games.” Addressing the effects of Champions League travel, Slot stated: “It’s what the players are used to and we have a big squad. Sometimes it’s even nice to go somewhere different and get a bit of sun. Although there was none in the week! You don’t complain about the amount of travel you have to do. We are privileged that we travel in a very good way. I hope we get to travel more in the second part of the season!” Regarding Darwin Nunez’s dissatisfaction with his goal tally, Slot commented: “He hasn’t scored the amount of goals he wants to, or that we want him to. But he does have an impact as he is aggressive off the ball. He is part of a team that scores a lot of goals and who are winning a lot. Of course, he wants to score more goals. I’m not only judging on goals, it is on the work rate and what they bring to the team and that has been positive up until now.” Pertaining to their upcoming opponents, Fulham, who have managed to avoid defeat against strong teams such as Arsenal and Brighton, Slot stated: “You can only take points if you have a good game plan. They work really hard when they don’t have the ball and this is why they don’t concede many goals. They are well organised and structured, and they are always a threat on the counter-attack.” Finally, Slot conveyed that he is not concerned by the prospect of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold being permitted to engage in discussions with international clubs in the upcoming weeks.