Arne Slot prioritises Liverpool’s squad stability over major signings
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes it is equally important to keep the core of his squad as signing new players.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes maintaining the squad that are romping towards the English Premier League title is more important than major new signings.
The Reds’ plans for next season have been boosted by key players Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk signing new deals
Trent Alexander-Arnold is still reportedly set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer when his deal expires at the end of the season.
Captain van Dijk said ahead of agreeing his new contract that he expects a “big summer” in the transfer market. For the record, Slot’s only signing in his first year in charge was Federico Chiesa, who has played a peripheral role.
But with Liverpool 13 points clear at the top of the Premier League ahead of their trip to Leicester City on April 20, the manager is content with the squad he has at his disposal.
“Let’s see what the rest of the summer will bring, but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team because I’ve said this for a year, we are happy with the team we are having,” Slot said on April 18.
“Maybe if we can keep that team, it will already be a big summer.
“I think the core of the team you want to keep as long as you can together, as long as they are performing in the best possible way, but it is also in general good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players.
“But it isn’t really a necessity when you look at the quality we have and the quality of the season we have had.”
Liverpool could seal the title as soon as April 20
Alexander-Arnold is back in contention to feature after returning to training following an ankle injury.
Slot hailed the right-back’s “incredible” quality and refused to give up hope of retaining the England international.
“The moment he is on the pitch, he shows me what a great player he is and he has shown how hard he is trying to achieve our goals this season,” added the Dutchman.
“The fans and everyone who watched football for the last five, six, seven years know he is an incredible fullback and has been an incredible fullback for this football club. Let’s see what the future brings.”
Asked if he was looking forward to potentially lifting the title, Slot added: “I don’t look back or forward a lot... People tell you to enjoy, but as a manager you think of the game at the weekend and you need to win that and then the next.”
Should Arsenal not lose at Ipswich, Liverpool are technically just two wins away from being crowned champions.
Leicester, meanwhile, are set for relegation as they have taken just four points from their last 17 matches to fall 17 points adrift of safety heading into this weekend.
The Foxes have endured a miserable campaign, especially since Ruud van Nistelrooy was installed as manager.
“We have been in these (relegation) circumstances for a long time now,” said the Dutchman.
“It’s not about it being mathematically done, but us showing ourselves for every minute that we are in this league. It’s not a matter of stopping when it’s mathematically done, because it’s bigger than that here.
“It’s about shaping a future here, that’s what’s important. We’re going to keep going anyway, and these four or five weeks will be huge.”
Van Nistelrooy also confirmed that both Wout Faes and Jeremy Monga have returned to full training and could be available for selection for the match. AFP, REUTERS
