Good morning and welcome to the Dee sport’s live coverage of Arne Slot’s latest Liverpool press conference.
The Reds head coach will face the media at 9 a.m. (GMT) to preview the upcoming Premier League clash with Newcastle United. The Magpies visit Anfield on Wednesday night in what will be a dress rehearsal for the Carabao Cup final next month.
Liverpool have other matters to attend to before then though, most pertinently of which is to take more steps towards clinching the Premier League title. A win at Manchester City at the weekend put them 11 points clear having played a game more than nearest challengers Arsenal.
Things could get even better for Slot’s side this week, as the injury-ravaged Gunners are away at high-flying Nottingham Forest in their midweek fixture.
Slot will likely be asked about the condition of a number of players after Sunday’s huge effort at City. Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are already set to miss the match on Wednesday due to injury.
Alexander Isak could also be another topic that comes up. Liverpool have tentatively been linked with a summer move for the in-form Newcastle forward.
Ian Doyle and Theo Squires will be in attendance to speak to Slot this morning. Stick with us for build-up, live updates and reaction to what the Liverpool boss has to say.
Slot on contract
The better he does the more expensive he becomes, and if he does worse we could have second thoughts on offering contract!
Him playing well is good for everyone. We only need players who are at the top of their game as this is one of the best or the best club in the world to play for.
SLOT ON TOUGH SCHEDULE
They have shown many times they can cope with many games.
But was the reason I changed the team v Plymouth so drastically. That hurt us in the FA Cup but it means these players are now able to play five games in a row in best level.
SLOT ON SALAH
Comes in early and works so hard on his body, see him on Instagram and he’s working at home. He’s found the balance to get the best out of himself which comes from experience. He knows how to treat his body in best possible way. But he’s not everyone – all the people in this building, the players and staff as well.
It’s February and we have three pitches that are perfect. It’s the whole building getting out of the players.
SLOT ON SALAH WINNING Ballon d’Or
It’s mostly about attackers but last winner was midfielder. Good thing Mo is in disucssion as that means he is doing well and that means we are doing well. In general someone who wins the Ballon d’Or needs to win something as well. What I liked a lot is that he takes this challenge with big goal and assist v City but defensive work-rate in second half particulary was outstanding. If we as a team win something he has a far better chance to win the Ballon d’Or.
It would make his chance only bigger (if we win Champions League) but last one who won it didn’t.
It’s not just about amount of prizes you win, but most of ones who won won the league or Champions League. But football is always like this – need team to win indvidual prize. But Mo understands that.
SLOT ON ISAK
Understatement to say in fine form, he is in excellent form. The team performance will help control him. The more ball possession we have the more we can control him although he is dangerous on counter-attacks. but we have two very good centre-backs, which is what you need when you face the quality of Isak. I like the style of play Eddie Howe has introduced, a team who has a very good gameplan, very intense with or without the ball. Not hte only offensive threat they have, Gordon is a big threat.
