Arne Slot opened up about Liverpool’s current attacking struggles and shared revealing thoughts on Mo Salah’s form this season.
In Arne Slot’s press conference with Liverpool FC media ahead of Liverpool’s visit to Chelsea in the Premier League, the manager reflected on his team’s attacking performance and Mo Salah’s current form.
Slot admitted that Liverpool’s attacking rhythm hasn’t fully clicked yet, particularly in open play, noting that the team now faces very different opposition compared to the early stages of last season.
“He is part of a team that faces different opposition than the first half of last season. If you compare how we won the away game against United where they tried to play out from the back, and at home when Onana just kept going long, that’s what has changed.”
“We don’t score as many open play goals as we did first part of last season and something we work on very hard. The more we play under the new set-up the better it will go. We still struggle a bit to find enough goals from open play.”
Slot emphasized that adaptation takes time, but remains confident that the team will rediscover its sharpness in front of goal as the season progresses.
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Slot on squad challenges and tactical adjustments
Beyond Salah’s form, Slot addressed several squad challenges that have shaped Liverpool’s recent performances. On Ibrahima Konaté, he acknowledged the team’s uncharacteristic defensive lapses:
“Last two games it’s been clear that we’ve made a few errors, not just him, that we’re not used to.”
The manager also explained his decision to deploy Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back due to injuries to Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong:
“Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong both had injuries. You can’t play 3 games in a week. We have to adjust in that position.”
Slot provided insight into Giorgi Mamardashvili’s role, highlighting his responsibility to step in for Alisson when needed:
“Now he can do what Caoimhin has had to do so many times in the past by replacing Ali.”
He also shared the latest on Alisson’s availability, noting that the goalkeeper is unlikely to be ready immediately after the international break:
“Alisson is not part of the squad tomorrow. Hugo will train again today and the same for Federico. We will see. I’d be surprised if he’s (Alisson) ready for first game after international break.”
Reflecting on Liverpool’s overall performance against Galatasaray, Slot praised the team’s effort despite narrow margins:
“I saw a team that wanted to try from first until last second to get a result. We won many more second balls (compared to Palace game). We were so close to a result. The margins are so small.”
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