Arne Slot on Competitive Challenges and Injury Updates Ahead of Southampton Match

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has highlighted the need to elevate his strategic approach due to the high standard of competition in the Premier League. Slot, who has guided Liverpool to the league’s summit after 11 matches, acknowledged the notable step-up in quality compared to the Eredivisie, where he previously managed.

As Liverpool prepares to face Southampton, currently at the bottom of the league standings, Slot cautioned against underestimating any opponent, reinforcing the belief that «any team in the division can defeat any other.» Southampton, despite securing only one victory this season, has adhered to a possession-based football style under the guidance of manager Russell Martin.

Slot commented on the varying tactical styles in English football, stating, «The biggest difference is that all the 17 other managers [in the Eredivisie], they have gameplans and style of play and all kinds of great ideas, but the quality difference between the two clubs [AZ and Feyenoord] I worked for and the teams we faced was so big.» He emphasized the tactical challenges that arise «because there is so much quality difference.»

In praise of Martin’s methods, despite Southampton being the league’s lowest scorers, Slot remarked, «If you’re a manager, you have to believe in something and you have to stick to that plan. Russell has his own style and he believes in it.» He noted the difficulties newly-promoted teams often face but remained optimistic about results improving through tactical steadfastness.

Slot provided updates on his squad’s fitness ahead of the fixture. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who exited Netherlands duty early, is fit to play against his former club. Harvey Elliott has returned to training, but several players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, Federico Chiesa, and Diogo Jota, are still on the road to recovery.

Addressing Alisson’s recovery, Slot mentioned, «He is not training with the team yet, but that is expected to be done soon.» Regarding the other players, he added, «Jota is still apart from the group, same as Federico, who is coming back into the session maybe in one exercise today.» The timeline for their return remains uncertain, particularly for Liverpool’s upcoming matches against Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Slot expressed caution as the players progress through their recovery, stating, «The last few days of a recovery are always the ones that are most tricky.» He refrained from predicting precise return dates for Alisson, Jota, and Alexander-Arnold, highlighting the challenges in transitioning from individual to group training sessions.