No Excuses, Just Balance: Slot Sets Liverpool’s Course for Villa Clash

Injury updates, squad depth, and the path to Villa

Liverpool’s Dutch manager Arne Slot emphasized the need to regain balance as they prepare for Saturday’s Premier League encounter with Aston Villa, viewing it as a prime chance to rebound after a stretch of disappointing results.

Speaking at the AXIA Training Centre on Friday, Slot outlined the latest on the squad, injury status, and the reasons behind the recent dip in results, while also addressing questions about his future with the club.

He explained that Ryan Gravenberch trained with the group yesterday and will train again today; a decision on whether he can start will follow. Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones are largely ruled out for the match, with the other two could be unavailable for Saturday’s game.

Slot noted that the final stages of recovery are delicate—things can speed up or slow down unpredictably—and that Ryan’s return to full group training is a positive sign for the squad’s options moving forward.

He pointed out that Isak’s injury highlights the depth issue: if Isak is not fully ready, there is a risk of him never regaining full match sharpness, yet his presence is still necessary for the team’s long-term plans. Frimpong and Bradley have also missed time, sometimes forcing Soboslay (a rotating option) to operate in unfamiliar positions to cover gaps.

Towards the end, Slot stressed there is no shortage of quality in the squad and that injuries are the main obstacle, not a lack of talent. When three or four players are out, the available pool can shrink to around 16, placing heavy pressure on the starting XI. Having 20 or 21 fit players is usually enough to compete on multiple fronts, but ongoing injuries and fixture congestion have altered that dynamic compared to last season.

He added that Isak’s situation is a clear example of the team’s struggle with fitness; if he isn’t utilized properly, questions arise about getting him match-fit, yet the manager believes the player’s involvement is essential for the team’s success.

Slot also highlighted the rotating absence of other players like Frimpong and Bradley, which has occasionally forced players into roles outside their comfort zones to maintain squad depth. He stressed that the focus remains on preserving the team’s core identity and philosophy while addressing the defensive and organizational challenges that set-pieces present.

Regarding set-pieces, Slot admitted that improving defensive chokepoints is crucial; conceding from a throw-in shortly after scoring a header or finishing a strong period can disrupt momentum and confidence. He attributed a recent Brentford setback to a premature concession and an uneven final ten minutes, while insisting the overall approach remains sound and the squad should convert chances more consistently with time.

As for the Villa clash, Slot framed it as a test of trust and identity—Villa are well-organized and possess high-quality build-up from the back, similar to Manchester City. Liverpool must press intelligently, maximize the opportunities they create, and manage the players’ workloads given the crowded schedule. He expressed unwavering confidence in the group’s ability to rebound and emphasized that the first win of the season could reset confidence and momentum.

He noted that despite a tough spell, the team has the quality and spirit to bounce back, hoping Saturday’s result against Aston Villa comes through. Slot also touched on the recent results against Brentford and Crystal Palace, acknowledging the team’s good moments in the first halves and the need to sustain intensity and precision throughout the match to translate chances into goals.

On the broader strategy, Slot reiterated that there is no intention to overhaul Liverpool’s playing philosophy despite the downturn in results, arguing that the team should adapt tactically without abandoning its core principles. He highlighted the importance of better handling of set-pieces and avoiding early concessions that derail the rhythm of the game, asserting that improvement in these small details can make a decisive difference.

In a lighter moment, Slot brushed aside questions about a contract renewal, noting that his focus is on getting Liverpool back to winning ways and that negotiations, if any, will not be discussed publicly. He stressed that the immediate objective is victory and stability, with contracts taking a back seat to results for now.

Reflecting on lessons from the difficult period, Slot suggested that any learning will come with time as the team focuses on the upcoming match against Villa, building on the glimpses of quality shown in recent fixtures. He pointed to the Brentford and Palace games, noting that a strong start was followed by a dip in intensity, and expressed cautious optimism that the team’s current approach will convert more of its chances into goals.

In closing, Slot underscored belief in the group’s potential, reiterated that the path back to success involves hard work and smart management of resources, and concluded that a win against Villa would be a significant step forward. He emphasized that the team’s fortunes will hinge on maintaining control of the game, minimizing errors at set-pieces, and continuing to create chances at a high rate.

Punchline time: If excuses had a season pass, Liverpool would have VIP access to the treatment room. Punchline two: Slot’s strategy is simple—train, trust the bench, and hope the ball finds the net more often than the press questions do. And if the ball still doesn’t follow, blame the corner flag for being cheeky enough to distract the players.