Arne Slot can once again call upon Alisson Becker in goal for the match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Liverpool coach announced this on Friday during The Reds' press conference.
Slot kicked off the press conference with a significant boost of good news for Liverpool fans, revealing that Alisson Becker, the team's first-choice goalkeeper, was set to return.
"We think he's ready. He partially trained yesterday and will fully train today. We're very happy to have him back," Slot shared, giving a sense of relief to supporters worried about the goalkeeper's fitness ahead of a crucial stretch of fixtures. Alisson, known for his consistency and world-class shot-stopping, had been sidelined, leading to concerns about Liverpool’s defensive stability. However, the interim period saw backup goalkeeper Caoimhín Kelleher step up impressively. Slot was quick to acknowledge Kelleher's performances, saying, "Caoimhín Kelleher has done very well in the last two matches. It's an example of how I have two or three good options for every position."
The depth in the squad was a theme Slot emphasized throughout the conference, a nod to the strength and flexibility Liverpool has developed under both his and Jürgen Klopp's guidance. The ability to rely on multiple players across positions has been vital in the face of injuries and fixture congestion. Slot’s comments highlighted the positive environment within the team, where competition for spots is healthy, and players are prepared to step up when called upon.
Turning his attention to the status of key players whose contracts are nearing expiration namely Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold Slot didn’t provide any concrete updates but expressed his contentment with the current squad. "I've said it before, but I'm very happy with the team I have. Not just because of the quality, but also the culture that Jürgen Klopp left behind," Slot said. His remarks underlined the legacy Klopp has imparted, fostering a sense of unity and professionalism within the club. Slot emphasized that the team spirit at Liverpool is characterized by selflessness and dedication. "All of these players are team players; they accept their role, even if they're not playing. And they all want to work hard for the team. It's a privilege."
As Liverpool gears up to face Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table, Slot was careful not to underestimate their opponent. While Wolves have had a difficult start to the season, Slot noted that their performances did not reflect their lowly position. "I don't think the way they played was reflected in their results," he said. Wolves have struggled to accumulate points, earning only one from their first five matches, but Slot was keen to point out that their challenging schedule had played a role. "They had a very tough schedule in the first five rounds. They had Arsenal away, Newcastle away, Villa away, Chelsea at home it's a tougher schedule than we had. You always have to take that into account." This perspective highlights Slot’s tactical awareness and respect for opponents, regardless of their standing. He went on to say that despite their results, Wolves have been playing well, often deserving more than they got in some matches. "I’ve watched some of their games, and they sometimes deserved more than they got. They’ll eventually come good at the end of the season, but hopefully not tomorrow," Slot added with a smile, a subtle reminder that while Liverpool are clear favorites, complacency could be costly.
In addition to praising Wolves' quality of play, Slot acknowledged their recent misfortunes, suggesting that luck has not been on their side. "They play very good football and have been very unlucky," he remarked. However, with Alisson back in goal and Liverpool pushing to maintain their momentum, Slot’s focus will be on ensuring his team delivers a professional performance that avoids any potential slip-ups.
During the press conference, Slot was also questioned about Liverpool's defensive fragilities, with a journalist pointing out that under his management, the team has conceded more chances to the opposition than expected. Slot, known for his attention to detail and tactical pragmatism, didn’t shy away from the criticism. "In an ideal world, we would concede fewer chances than we are now," Slot admitted, acknowledging that while Liverpool have been winning games, their defense has been tested more often than he would like. He provided context for this issue, explaining that the level of competition in the Premier League presents a different challenge from his previous managerial experience in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord. "The difference between the league I work in now and the one I worked in before is that every team has so much quality that they’re always capable of creating chances," Slot explained.
The Premier League’s competitive nature means even the teams at the lower end of the table possess the ability to trouble top clubs. Slot emphasized that while conceding chances is inevitable against such high-caliber opponents, there is still room for improvement in Liverpool’s defensive solidity. "But we have to do better if we want more clean sheets than we have now," he concluded.
Liverpool’s aspirations this season are high, with a focus on both domestic and European success. Slot's comments reflected a desire not just to win, but to win in a way that shows control, particularly defensively. His acknowledgment of the areas needing improvement demonstrates his intent to refine Liverpool’s approach, striving for more clean sheets and greater defensive resilience. As the team prepares for a busy schedule, including fixtures in multiple competitions, Slot’s attention to detail and emphasis on depth will be key to navigating the challenges ahead.
In conclusion, the return of Alisson Becker will undoubtedly boost Liverpool’s defensive capabilities, but Slot’s call for further improvements signals that the team remains a work in progress. With key contract renewals on the horizon and tough matches ahead, Slot’s focus on cohesion, adaptability, and attention to detail will be crucial in ensuring Liverpool maintains its momentum both on and off the field.
