Liverpool manager Arne Slot attended the pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Burnley.
Q: After Isak's arrival, is Liverpool facing a selection dilemma in the forward line?
A: If you ask me whether this is the first time I've encountered such a situation as Liverpool's head coach, the answer is no.
Diogo [Jota], Darwin [Núñez], Lucho—those players who are no longer at Liverpool—I’ve already managed their playing time before. Jürgen [Klopp] also did this in the past, using attacking options to change the game when needed.
Q: How is the form of the players?
A: I think all the players are in good form. Today, most of them took part in our first training session of the week. Curtis Jones got injured in the last game, so he will not be able to play against Burnley, but everyone else has returned safely.
This isn’t always the case. We’re glad they’re in good shape, so I sincerely thank the Sweden national team coach and several other national team coaches—Ryan Gravenberch only started one game for the Netherlands.
Q: What is his current positioning for Isak?
A: Maybe you won’t believe it, but I haven’t talked much with him. I called him after he signed, and he had to go to Sweden at that time. So, for 99% of the break, I leave the players to their respective national team coaches.
I’ve sent him one or two text messages, but in the next few days and weeks, I really need to get to know him better. Our club has a great culture, so we sign players based on their ability—and I know how good he is, what a quality player he is.
I think you can’t compare one situation to another; different managers, different circumstances, there’s no comparison [between Isak and Guehi]. I’ve always felt we needed another attacking player, and I’m glad we got the one we wanted.
Q: What do you think you learned from the international break?
A: If there’s one thing I learned from the international breaks last season, it’s that they’re always tough. Back then, I focused on Liverpool’s overall form, but after that, in the game against Nottingham Forest, looking at our performance, I thought it had more to do with their strength—Nottingham Forest are a strong side.
Q: Talking about Chiesa’s Champions League registration issue.
A: Of course, this is tough for a manager, and it’s also tough for him. He is certainly not happy with this decision, but he understands the club’s position.
He gave the answer you’d hope to hear from a player: he will help out in other cup competitions and the league. He has been training very hard these days to prepare for the upcoming games—and that’s more important than what a player tells you.
Q: How will Liverpool create chances this season?
A: We will implement the details of our tactics as much as possible, but in the final third, it mostly depends on the form of the wingers. Because in the end, you rely on wing penetration; the more threatening they are, the more chances we will create.
In games like this, scoring early is usually beneficial for you. If you concede a goal, the opponent will become more energetic. As always, we hope our attacking players can make a difference.
