Arne Slot speaks his mind before the Burnley clash (Credits: Imago Images)
The international break has seen its end as clubs will be getting back to their old routines. Liverpool face Burnley at Turf Moor on the 14th of September, as Arne Slot will be looking forward to keeping the winning streak alive.
The Dutch manager had multiple things to address in a press conference, as there had been much going on since their last match against Arsenal.
Federico Chiesa didn’t make the UEFA Champions League squad due to the home-grown players restriction. Slot chose to go with Rio Ngumoha instead of the Italian, which definitely raised eyebrows in the football world.
“It’s one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager. I explained to him why we made this choice. Of course, he wasn’t happy, but I think he understood my argument.”
“That’s not to say he agreed with them, but he gave the answer you want to hear from a player. He’ll be there to help the team in the cups and league”, the Dutchman told the press.
Arne Slot also talked about the defensive strengths of promotion teams. He called out their difficulties with facing such outfits last season.
“We know that every game is difficult, and I only have to look back at last season to understand that. We had problems with Ipswich, Leicester and Southampton.”
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“These things happen in football”
One of the most covered fallouts this summer was Marc Guéhi’s failed transfer to Liverpool. The deal was blocked in the final hours of the window as the Reds failed to sign the defender on deadline day.
“It would be ridiculous if I denied that we were close to signing him. These things happen in football. In the last moments, things can change. It’s a pity, not only for us, but for the player as well. Let’s see what the future brings for him and for us.”
Arne Slot didn’t confirm any plans for the defender, hinting at a work in progress regarding the same. Speaking of transfers, he also commented on Harvey Elliott’s departure.
The former Feyenoord gaffer believed that the Englishman wasn’t getting the minutes he deserved, and the move was in everyone’s best interest.
Interestingly, Liverpool has added a buy-back clause in Elliott’s contract with Aston Villa. The Lions have an obligation to buy at the end of the season, but the Reds seem to have a significant window after the purchase to get him back.
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