LIVERPOOL
Slot also explained why he has been rotating Andrew Robertson and Kostas Tsimikas more frequently than many might have expected and also discussed the prospect of Alexis Mac Allister playing in a more advanced position.
Read every word from Slot below…
On the injury situations of Alisson, Jota and Chiesa…
“I think I said it already a few times that it is always difficult to tell you exactly when they (Alisson and Jota) are ready because especially the last phase of the recovery can always be a few days extra or less. The fact is that they are not there before the international break and let’s see if they can join us after.
“Chiesa is not back before the international break, but there is only a week to go. We are hoping he can do things again during the international break and that he can join us afterwards.”
On what he’s discovered about his squad so far this season…
“I think you learn every day, especially if you are not long with the team – as I am – so I think you learn every day from new situations. I said before, the Chelsea game was something I learned from, that they could sit deep and defend a lead. The way they came back against Arsenal was really strong and the amount of games we have to play that they are still able to be available and play good football, that is also something you see. Then, we also saw during the week that players that haven’t played that much maybe can have an impact on our team as well. We will need them during the whole season, so it’s good to see they are already on the level they need to play for us.”
On whether it ‘feels strange’ to be playing Brighton again…
“No, it’s not that strange for us in football. In the older Champions League or Europa League world, if it went to [knockouts] you faced a team after a week again. So in football, we are used to playing the same team after a few days. So, it’s not weird, especially because both teams didn’t start with the team they will start with on Saturday. I think for both managers, it’s a positive thing because you know even more about the opponent. Although players make the game and it is, of course, a difference if a different player plays. The playing style might be the same, but the quality of the players make nine out of 10 times the difference. That changes the game on Saturday compared to the one on Wednesday.”
On his different options for the No. 9 role…
“The good thing was that when you look at our front line then we could play with two of our regular starters, with Cody Gakpo and Lucho Diaz. They had a big impact on the scoresheet, of course. The way we filled in the No.9 position [on Wednesday] was interesting to see because I think it worked out really well, but in the end I prefer to play with a real No. 9 – but it is maybe now an extra possibility that we have if we have injuries. Although maybe with Diogo Jota, who is also a bit of a nine-and-a-half, we implemented that style already, but to play with Curtis [Jones] and Dom [Szoboszlai], they are definitely midfielders and Diogo is a striker. So, it was good to see that we could score three goals, even without playing with an old-fashioned No. 9.”
On the influence of leaders in the squad in maintaining confidence within the group…
“They are important, as every teammate is important for every player, but I don’t agree with everything you said. I think Jarell played a very good game [on Wednesday], the only issue he has at the moment is if he has a moment that is not perfect, it immediately leads to a goal. That’s what happened in this game. He was, in my opinion, unlucky. I know you cannot judge a player leaving these two moments [out], because they are so vital for a result. But he is getting better and better and better, and he was already really good. So, for him, it’s that last step maybe to make, which he has already shown in the past that he can play a game without making these small mistakes.
