Key Takeaways From Slot’s Press Conference Before West Ham Trip | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Insights Ahead of Liverpool’s Clash with West Ham

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, spoke extensively about the challenges of being at the top of the Premier League, the team’s away form, and the significance of squad depth as the Reds prepare for their final game of 2024. Slot shared his thoughts during a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s visit to West Ham United on Sunday at the London Stadium.

The match, set for a 5:15 pm GMT kick-off, follows Liverpool’s 3-1 Boxing Day victory over Leicester City, which extended their lead at the Premier League summit to seven points. Here’s a closer look at the key points from Slot’s media briefing.

Pressure of Leading the League

When asked whether the seven-point lead adds pressure or shifts expectations, Slot dismissed any notion of change.

“No, you’re sitting in front of the Liverpool manager; so, there is always pressure at this club, if you are one, two, three, four or five in the table,” he explained. “If you work at a big club like Liverpool there is always the pressure. I think last season halfway through the season, were they also No.1? I think they were last season. So, it’s not so strange for a club like us to be on top of the league.”

Slot remained grounded about the competition ahead, acknowledging the quality of other teams in the league. “We know how many good teams there are in this league and they’re able to win almost every game as well. There’s no extra pressure – there’s always pressure if you work at a club like Liverpool.”

Liverpool’s Impressive Away Form

Liverpool’s away form has been a hallmark of their campaign so far. However, Slot suggested that fixture scheduling might have influenced this statistic.

“I think our away form has been good but maybe it has a bit to do with the teams you face in the first half of the season. So, I think mainly we have faced the teams in the top half of the table at home and the other ones we faced away, so that might have something to do with it,” he explained.

Despite this, Slot expressed confidence in the team’s consistency. “We are strong away from home and at home as well. So, I don’t see any reason why we are stronger there than here.” He hinted that a more accurate analysis could be made once Liverpool has faced all teams both home and away.

Importance of Squad Depth

With Dominik Szoboszlai suspended for Sunday’s clash, Slot emphasised the necessity of relying on the entire squad during the busy winter period.

“You saw today as well, because I think Dominik Szoboszlai was outstanding against Tottenham Hotspur and the idea and plan was that he should be outstanding against West Ham. But he is not available so someone else should be outstanding against West Ham,” Slot remarked.

This adaptability will be vital as Liverpool navigates a congested schedule and pushes for success in multiple competitions.

Virgil van Dijk’s Leadership and Form

Slot spoke highly of Virgil van Dijk, whose performances have been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s season. When asked if this is the defender’s best form, Slot acknowledged his limited timeframe with the player but was unequivocal in his praise.

“He has been a tremendous player, such a great player for Liverpool for so many years. Unfortunately for him, he was out with an injury for almost all of a season; that didn’t help this football club at all, so that probably tells you how big of an impact he has had here at this club,” he said.

Highlighting van Dijk’s leadership qualities, Slot added, “He is the vocal leader of this team, every time we start an exercise he is on top of his teammates and he leads by example. For me, he has been outstanding until now and we can only hope he can continue showing this during the games and in the training sessions as long as he’s with us.”

Photo: IMAGO

Contract Latest

With the January transfer window fast approaching, Slot was predictably reserved when discussing contract updates or potential moves.

“If we would then probably it is not the moment for me to tell you now. But in general, I don’t talk about contract situations here and it would be a surprise if I was the one to announce that one of them had extended, that’s in a different moment,” he said.

Slot reiterated his focus on performance, stating, “As long as they keep performing like this, the manager, or head coach I have to say, is happy with them.”

Threat Posed by West Ham

Looking ahead to West Ham, Slot identified Mohammed Kudus as a key player to watch. The versatile midfielder has impressed since his arrival from Ajax, and Slot noted his ability to adapt to various roles.

“I think he’s a good player, that’s for sure. Everybody sees this. He can play multiple positions, I think he played here for Ajax against Liverpool as a nine as well. He’s a big threat for them,” Slot said.

Slot also acknowledged the depth of West Ham’s squad, emphasising the challenges of facing a Premier League side with significant resources. “They have many players, I think they have signed also many players during the summer so even if three midfielders are out I don’t think they have to play U21 players,” he remarked.

Conclusion

As Liverpool prepares for their final match of 2024, Slot’s comments underline a calm but focused approach. The Reds are poised to maintain their momentum at the top of the league, with strong performances both at home and away. Sunday’s clash against West Ham offers another opportunity to demonstrate their resilience and depth.

With leaders like van Dijk setting the standard and a squad ready to step up in the absence of key players, Liverpool’s journey continues to captivate fans and challenge rivals.