Arne Slot: Liverpool Focused on Final Nine Games After Recent Setbacks

Liverpool manager Arne Slot says the team is focused on their final nine Premier League games after bouncing back from recent setbacks.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot confirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton due to injury. Slot addressed the media ahead of the Anfield clash, where he also faced questions about rumors linking Alexander-Arnold to a potential move to Real Madrid at the end of the season.

When asked about Alexander-Arnold's situation, Slot emphasized the player's focus on recovery. “His situation is unfortunately that he is injured, otherwise people would have probably spoken about him that he had one or two brilliant performances for the England team. But he's injured and for him that means he is fully focused on his recovery and for us that means we are trying to help him to be back as soon as he can.”

Slot also downplayed the impact of ongoing transfer rumors surrounding Alexander-Arnold, as well as other key players like Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah. “For the rest, of course, for eight months it went a bit up and down maybe, with all kinds of talks about him, Virgil (van Dijk) or Mo (Salah). But we have never been focused on those talks, we have always been focused on what we have to do.” Slot emphasized the team's priorities, stating, “For Virgil and Mo that is trying to win the Merseyside derby, and for Trent that is making sure he is can get fit as soon as he can.”

Arne Slot was questioned about the status of new contract talks with senior players Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, and Mohamed Salah. However, Slot remained tight-lipped on the matter. “It's a situation that is there for eight months now and all these three players have performed so well under these circumstances so it doesn't affect me at all.”

Slot acknowledged the recent criticism Liverpool faced after losses to Paris St-Germain and Newcastle, but emphasized his rational approach to the setbacks. “I think there was a bit of noise about us losing against Paris St-Germain and us losing against Newcastle as well. I always try to be rational. I was a bit more frustrated about the final, because I think we deserved to lose that one. For the first time we deserved to lose a football game.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming Merseyside derby against Everton, Slot anticipated that Everton manager David Moyes would stick to his team's usual approach, despite the recent 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. Slot's comments suggested that he expects a familiar challenge from their local rivals.

Arne Slot elaborated on his expectations for the Merseyside derby, anticipating a similar approach from Everton, but with a notable difference in atmosphere. “I expect the same, but with one difference - that every time the Everton players do something well they don't get the cheers and reactions from 50,000 people.”

Arne Slot on the Merseyside derby and attacking the final nine games of the Premier League run-in 🔴🗣️ #LIVEVE

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 1, 2025

Slot highlighted the emotional contrast between playing at home and away, emphasizing the impact of crowd reactions on the players. “But our players will get that reaction after every tackle they make and for every pass they do. That is a different emotion, but football wise I expect the same because this is what Everton have done for the last nine or 10 games now, with David Moyes in charge.”

The Dutch manager noted Everton's impressive recent form under David Moyes, with nine consecutive unbeaten Premier League games, and expressed skepticism about either team deviating from their usual tactics. “They didn't lose one game in the last nine Premier League games, so it would be a surprise if they are going to do something different. And we are top of the league so it would be strange if we are going to change something as well.”

Arne Slot provided a positive update on his squad's fitness, announcing that Ryan Gravenberch is now available for selection. “Ryan Gravenberch is okay. Alisson trained with us as well. The last check later today. Conor Bradley is with us again, but he's only had a few sessions after being out for quite long so we have to make a smart decision.”

Slot reflected on his red card in the previous match against Everton at Goodison Park, where he was ejected for protesting controversial decisions. When asked if he could promise a different reaction if similar situations arise tomorrow, Slot expressed skepticism. “I would be so surprised if I ever experienced eight minutes of so many controversial decisions at our disadvantage again. If it happens I hope I act differently, but I can't promise. But I don't think I am going to experience that again. But you never know, football is unpredictable.”

Slot with an update on the fitness of Alisson, Bradley and Gravenberch ahead of #LIVEVE 🔴

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 1, 2025

With a 12-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, Liverpool is shifting its focus to the final nine games of the season. Manager Arne Slot expressed his admiration for the team's resilience in bouncing back from recent setbacks, including elimination from the Champions League and a loss in the Carabao Cup final.

Slot noted that despite the disappointing results, there were positives to be taken from the team's performances. “But it wasn't all negative. We played a final against a very good Newcastle team and played a very good game in defeat to Paris St-Germain.” He specifically highlighted the team's display against Paris St-Germain, saying, “We played the best game, in my opinion, but unfortunately lost on penalties.”

Looking ahead to the remaining games, Slot emphasized the importance of each match, starting with the Merseyside derby against Everton. “Now it is going to be nine finals. These games are very important for us, starting with Everton. Not only because it is the Merseyside derby but because we are in such a good position in the league.”