Salah’s Defensive Masterclass and Robertson’s Reach: Slot’s Clever Blueprint for the City Clash

Ahead of the City clash

Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot held a lengthy press conference today ahead of Sunday’s top‑of‑the‑table clash with Manchester City, the 11th round of the Premier League.

He spoke about the current state of the squad, player readiness, and the recent shifts after two important wins in the league and in Europe.

Slot praised Mohamed Salah for his role in attack and defense alike, saying: "Mohamed Salah helps us a lot when the focus is on the players scoring goals. It’s very important for us that Salah scores, and it’s also important that he helps the team defensively, which he has done in the last matches."

He acknowledged Liverpool’s tough spell but said the team is regaining balance.

“Our main focus is on us, on finding consistency. We have lost several games—more than we’re used to—but we’ve won two now. Our focus is on improving, getting players back to match readiness, and seeing where this takes us.”

Slot noted that striker Alexander Isak would return to full training for the first time after a three‑week absence but tempered expectations about immediate involvement: "He will train today with the squad for the first time in three weeks. I said three weeks ago the pre‑season phase for him was over; now it’s time to see where he stands."

He added that the extended absence means he won’t return immediately to full fitness either, saying: "Three weeks on rehab doesn’t put you back to where you were three weeks ago. The medical staff did a great job, but rehab cannot be equated to matches or full training; he needs time."

On form, injuries and tactical versatility

Regarding the two latest wins, Slot sounded confident Liverpool can do even more, noting: “We have always believed we could achieve this. What happened in the last two games wasn’t a surprise to me. We benefited from the opponent’s approach.”

He pointed out the variety of opponents faced this season, saying: “In eight of ten games we’ve faced different styles. This is good, but it makes the challenge bigger against Man City, who are a very good team with top players.”

Asked about Andy Robertson’s fitness after three games in seven days, he replied: “He started three games in seven days, including against Crystal Palace. He looked fatigued, so I had to withdraw him late on against Real Madrid. We’ll see how the recovery goes today.”

On the future, Slot said he doesn’t usually talk about contracts but was pleased with Robertson’s ability to handle workload: “Playing three games in seven days is impressive; he’s done well, and so has the team. When the team plays well, everything becomes easier for everyone.”

He rejected the notion that Robertson’s age is a problem, adding: “Turning 32 doesn’t tell me much about a footballer. Look at Virgil van Dijk, Salah, Robertson—the three of them were key to the title win.”

Discussing Florian Wirtz, Slot highlighted his multi‑position potential: “Florian can play in several positions. He can operate on the left wing, a role he has often filled under X as well as in the number 10 role.”

“The important thing is where he’s best at, not a fixed role. We want to see him around the goal area, in‑depth or on the flanks, to create as many chances as possible.”

On a slump earlier in the season, Slot said: “We were playing consistently, but the consistency was in losing. We need to be consistent in doing things right. Playing City away is one of the hardest tests this season.”

He even recalled watching City vs Liverpool before taking the job in Holland, stating: “When I was in the Netherlands and not working here, I knew exactly when City vs Liverpool was on. I was 100% in front of the TV. It’s one of the matches everyone looks forward to.”

When comparing performances against Manchester United and Aston Villa, Slot offered: “Two good games. I might be the only one who thinks so, but I preferred the performance against United to Villa, though I favored the Villa result.”

“We created more chances against United than Villa, and we were exposed because we were trailing 1‑0 and 2‑1, so we had to take risks. If you win, nothing else matters. I always try to balance things here.”

Finally, on injuries, Slot said: “Alisson will definitely return, and I also expect another player to come back after the international break—no further breaks until March. I don’t expect the other player to be fully fit for Nottingham Forest on 22 November, but I expect Alisson to be ready for that match.”

In closing, Slot underscored the long view: building consistency, rotating when needed, and staying ready for a City test that promises to be one of the season’s defining fixtures.

Punchline 1: Slot’s plan is so precise, even the GPS on the bench applauds when the substitutions line up perfectly.

Punchline 2: If City think they’ve brought a sniper squad, Liverpool just ordered a comedy club—same target, bigger laughs, and probably more goals.