Home SPORTS Arne Slot Backs Isak, Wirtz to Reach New Heights

Arne Slot Backs Isak, Wirtz to Reach New Heights

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Arne Slot
Arne Slot Press Conference

Liverpool boss Arne Slot praises Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz's impact, while addressing Harvey Elliott's future at Aston Villa amid loan speculation.


“I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench)...”


Liverpool's Arne Slot's taking the positives from the Sunderland draw, saying it's good they got a point. He's looking to build on that momentum against Leeds. Slot knows his team's capable of better, but he's acknowledging the tough run they've had.


Slot's highlighting the team's resilience, especially after conceding late against Sunderland. He's not getting too down about the draw, focusing instead on the progress they've made. Leeds will be a tough test, but Slot's team is ready.


Also reflecting on last week's win at West Ham, the Dutchman reasoned: “In the last two games we were one deflection away from keeping two clean sheets. I said against West Ham that the good thing for us was they didn't score their one and only chance, and the same thing happened again in this game.


“They did not score the only chance they had, the chance they did score for me was not a chance after 93 minutes when they went one-on-one with the goalkeeper.


“That's a step forward if you compare that to seven goals conceded in two games.


“We did not concede a set piece in both games, which was also important, as a result of that maybe we got two results.”


Leeds United's Style a Threat to Liverpool's Defense

Arne Slot acknowledges that Leeds United's recent win against Chelsea has given them a boost, and their style of play could cause Liverpool's defense problems. Slot recognizes that Leeds will be “bouncing” into the match, making it a tough test for his team.



Leeds' Aggressive Approach a Challenge for Liverpool

Leeds' aggressive approach, particularly in one-on-one situations, could exploit Liverpool's defensive vulnerabilities. Slot has seen footage of Leeds' match against Chelsea and believes their style is similar to what Liverpool has faced in previous games. He expects a tough match ahead.


The manager stated: “Yesterday I looked at Leeds versus Chelsea and I saw a Liverpool game: Chelsea conceding a set piece and then a big, big error. Leeds went very aggressive in one-v-one and then a low block to stop chances. It is difficult for us that style, and many other teams.


“We saw them coming back from two down to Man City. Foden made the difference with a moment of magic there and against Chelsea Leeds were very strong. What to expect is what we have faced in many other games.”


Slot, on the physical demands Leeds will make, also pondered: “Every game is a physical test, especially with how teams play against us but also the best athletes in the world play in PL, so every game you play is physical, let alone an away game with the fans that are a big support for them.”




Salah's Bench Status Uncertain Ahead of Leeds Clash

Mohamed Salah has been benched for the past two games, sparking speculation about his future at Liverpool. Manager Arne Slot hinted that Salah might start from the bench again against Leeds United at Elland Road. Slot's decision has fueled rumors that Salah could leave Liverpool, with Saudi Arabia reportedly interested in signing him.


Slot's Dilemma: Salah's Form and Future

Salah's form has been a concern, with just five goals in 19 matches this season. Slot has defended his decision, saying Salah is still an important player for the team. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has also backed Salah, stating that he will be a big part of their plans.


Transfer Rumors and Saudi Interest

Saudi Pro League clubs are reportedly preparing to make a move for Salah, with Al Hilal and Al-Qadsiah interested. However, Liverpool would reportedly only consider selling Salah if he expresses a desire to leave.


He said: “I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us. He always in my mind to either start or to come (off the bench).


“The chatter, yes (I understand it) because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me and six or seven years. It's completely normal people talk about it when he isn't (playing).”




On fellow attacker Fede Chiesa and his lack of minutes, Slot also stated: “As I just said, every player has a possibility to start but we have many options to start in his position.


“So many times, he has had an impact a few times, so normally you bring a striker in to score but he in this situation kept on running when a player might stop and think they cannot do a lot one-v-one so that says a lot about his mentality to not concede.”


Wirtz's Rising Confidence a Boost for Liverpool 

Arne Slot's praising Florian Wirtz's growth, saying the Germany attacker's now performing at a more consistent level. Slot's convinced Wirtz has turned a corner, and confidence is flowing through him. The Reds boss is loving what he's seeing from Wirtz, who's been impressive for Liverpool.


Wirtz's Impact on Liverpool's's Form

Wirtz has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent form, and Slot believes he's a key factor in their success. The midfielder's creativity and vision have been crucial, and Slot's expecting big things from him. With Wirtz on song, Liverpool's looking like a team to beat.


He reasoned: “You can see his confidence from how often he wants the ball and how often they give him it. So he has a lot of confidence but it's also clear he came back with an injury from Germany, so I am happy he can play so many minutes. He has done well.


“Not surprised he was involved in the goal against Sunderland, he was one of the ones who kept constantly trying and was creative.”


Arne Slot's backing Alexander Isak, saying his teammates need to do more to support him. Isak's scored his first goal for Liverpool in the win at West Ham, but Slot thinks he could be doing even better. He's urging his team to create more chances for Isak, saying strikers don't always get many touches, but when they do, they need to make them count.



Slot compared Isak to Erling 

Haaland, saying Haaland's success comes from touching the ball at the right moments. He's pushing Isak and the team to improve, getting Isak more involved in the game, especially in the final third. Liverpool's looking to bounce back, and Slot believes Isak's got a big role to play in that.


He said: “He is not the only No. 9 that suffers from not getting as many chances. I watched the second half of Leeds of City and the whole game against Chelsea and it is not like, at this level, the No. 9 is involved in many chances each game but it is clear we want to bring him in more threatening situations.


“We haven't been able to create too many chances lately because we are less offensive and it's on my list of things to improve, get the 9 involved more.


“Not ideal (to have average 14 touches per game). He had 22 for Newcastle, so strikers don't have loads of touches, (Erling) Haaland, I would be surprised if he has 100 touches a game. We have to make sure he touches it in moments where it matters.”


Elliott's Future at Villa Uncertain

Arne Slot's aware of the speculation surrounding Harvey Elliott's future at Aston Villa, with reports suggesting they might exercise their option to buy him. Slot's not commenting much, saying it's up to the player and the clubs to decide. Elliott's had a good loan spell at Villa so far, and they're keen to keep him.


Villa's Interest in Elliott Strong

Villa's interest in Elliott is strong, but Liverpool's not desperate to sell. Slot's prioritizing the team's performance, saying they need Elliott's quality. The midfielder's got a big future ahead, and Liverpool's keen to keep hold of him.



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