Press Conference | Southampton vs Liverpool |Arne Slot | Premier League

Summary

In this interview, Arne discusses Liverpool's current squad, including updates on key players like Alisson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Harvey Elliott, all of whom are recovering from injuries. He emphasizes the challenge of maintaining form and fitness, especially after international breaks. Arne also reflects on Southampton's strengths despite their position at the bottom of the Premier League, and how their playing style poses a tough challenge. With important fixtures ahead, including matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City, Arne stresses the importance of staying focused on the next game, especially against Southampton.

Takeaways

• 😀 Alisson is improving and back in training with the goalkeeper coach, but he is not yet ready to play in the upcoming match.
• 😀 Trent Alexander-Arnold is not yet training with the team but is progressing towards a return soon.
• 😀 Virgil van Dijk is fully fit and actively training with the team.
• 😀 Jota is still recovering separately from the group, with an expected return in a few weeks.
• 😀 Federico Chiesa is gradually returning to training and may be involved soon.
• 😀 Harvey Elliott has returned to training after a long injury layoff, but it will take time for him to reach peak performance.
• 😀 Ibrahima Konate has shown great consistency, thanks to his commitment to staying fit and the coaching staff’s efforts in managing his fitness.
• 😀 The team is leading the league by five points but acknowledges the season is long, with many tough matches still ahead.
• 😀 Southampton, despite being at the bottom of the table, is a challenging opponent due to their strong playing style and tough results against top teams.
• 😀 The manager views Pep Guardiola’s contract extension at Manchester City as a positive for both the club and the Premier League, noting that Guardiola is one of the best managers in the league.
• 😀 Set-piece performance is a priority for the team, with a focus on both scoring from set-pieces and maintaining a strong defensive record in this area.

Q & A

How ready is Alisson to return after his injury?

Alisson is progressing well in his recovery. He is back in training with the goalkeeper coach but has not yet joined the team in full training. He is not ready to play in the upcoming match on Sunday but is expected to return soon, depending on his match fitness.

What is the current status of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk?

Virgil van Dijk is fully fit and has been training with the team. Trent Alexander-Arnold, however, is still not training with the team but is expected to return to full training shortly.

How is Harvey Elliott recovering from his injury?

Harvey Elliott has been out for several weeks but is now back training with the team. While his return is positive, the manager noted that it will take time for him to regain his match fitness.

How are Jota and Federico Chiesa progressing in their recoveries?

Both Jota and Federico Chiesa are still recovering. Jota is working apart from the group, while Chiesa is gradually returning to sessions and may participate in a limited capacity soon. Both are expected to be back within the next few weeks.

What are your thoughts on Southampton despite their current position at the bottom of the table?

Despite being at the bottom of the league, Southampton has shown they can be very competitive. They’ve been unlucky in some matches, and their playing style has been impressive. They have made it difficult for top teams, so the manager expects a tough match against them.

How does the upcoming international break impact team selection for the match against Southampton?

The international break does affect team selection, particularly with players returning from long trips, like those from South America. The manager will assess fitness levels, including jet lag, and consult with medical and performance staff before making final decisions. The focus, however, remains on the match against Southampton.

What is your approach to managing players after they return from international duty?

It’s a combination of assessing the players' fitness, discussing with medical and performance staff, and considering the opponent's strengths. The manager takes a holistic approach, factoring in the player's health, recovery, and the tactical requirements for the upcoming match.

How is Ibrahima Konaté performing this season, and what has contributed to his consistency?

Konaté has been in excellent form this season. His consistency is a result of his commitment to staying fit, his willingness to learn, and the club's support from performance and technical staff. Despite a slow start to the season due to a late return from Euro 2024, Konaté has made significant strides and has been pivotal in the team's defense.

How do you view Manchester City's dominance and Pep Guardiola's decision to stay at the club?

It’s great news for Manchester City and the Premier League that Pep Guardiola will remain at the club for another few years. He’s arguably the best manager in the league, and his presence elevates the quality of the competition. Despite City’s strength, the manager believes the team can challenge and compete effectively.

Will the upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City affect your team selection for the Southampton game?

No, the team selection for the Southampton game will not be influenced by the upcoming fixtures against Real Madrid and Manchester City. The focus is entirely on Southampton, considering their playing style, and managing the fitness of returning players. The schedule is demanding, but each game is prioritized on its own merits.