Slot still supporting summer signings to have major influence at Liverpool
Arne Slot is optimistic that Liverpool will keep improving as the season advances and trusts that his summer acquisitions will become more influential as their familiarity and consistency increase.
The reigning Premier League champions are currently in fourth place in the standings ahead of Thursday’s encounter with Leeds and remain unbeaten in their last seven matches across competitions, with recent displays indicating a steady revival after a challenging start to the season.
Slot has observed promising developments from newcomers like Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike and is confident that their contributions will elevate in the latter half of the season.
When asked if those players can further enhance their performances, he replied: “Yeah, yeah, for sure. That’s not just applicable to the new players. When a number of new players join and many leave, usually if I do my job correctly, they’ll play better football the longer they are here, along with more training and playing time.”
The Liverpool head coach emphasized the significance of stability, citing recent history as proof that cohesion leads to success. “History has repeatedly shown that the longer players play together, the greater your chances are of winning something,” he stated.
“If you augment what you already possess, there is a substantial chance of improvement. If you replace players, like we have, then it requires time. Generally, performance improves after a certain duration.”
Arne Slot press conference: Leeds breakdown, Wirtz’s adaptation, Jones’ performance and more #LIVLEE— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 31, 2025
Slot also recognized the influence injuries have had on his team, disclosing that some absent players will not return this season. “Sadly, Giovanni Leoni will not be seen again this season, and Alex (Isak) will take considerable time before we see him back,” he noted, adding that the financial aspects concerning departures and arrivals were crucial, even as results are now beginning to mirror that investment.
Despite Liverpool’s improved performances, their recent victories against Tottenham and Wolves featured tense finishes, which Slot attributed to the thin margins that characterize football.
“It shows how critical goals are in a low-scoring game,” he remarked. “A goal can shift momentum, as we observed last week and (on Saturday).”
He believed Liverpool had mostly dominated both games until they conceded. “In both matches, up until we conceded, it was the type of performance you would expect from a Liverpool team,” Slot stated.
“We missed our first two opportunities to score. Goals significantly influence the trajectory of a game. This has been evidenced in our last two matches.”
Slot added that effective game management is closely tied to squad depth and the choices available from the substitutes’ bench, especially considering the current injury list. “One aspect of managing a game is the capability to make substitutions,” he explained.
“Last year, when we held a one-goal lead, I often introduced Wataru Endo. I have previously mentioned, I don’t know if anyone realizes it but we are missing a significant number of players. This makes it all the more remarkable that the fit players are achieving these results.”
Published: 2025-12-31 16:56:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
