Slot Keeps Liverpool Focused on the Schedule, Dismisses January Talk as Forest Clash Looms

Keep Focus on the Schedule, Not the Title

Dutch coach Arne Slot, Liverpool’s manager, stated that the January transfer window is not on his radar right now, emphasizing that the priority is coping with a congested run of matches, capped by Saturday’s clash with Nottingham Forest in the Premier League’s round of 12.

Speaking at Friday’s press conference, Slot was asked about strengthening the squad in January. He replied, “That’s one of those questions I didn’t expect now; there are many games before that period. For me, given the current situation, it’s the last thing I’m thinking about. Perhaps Richard Hughes, the sporting director, is looking into it, but it’s not on the table for me.”

He noted that the defense has multiple options: “We have three primary centre-backs, and Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo might also feature there. And perhaps some people don’t realise we face bigger challenges in other areas of the squad.”

On maintaining focus, Slot added that his team won’t dwell on winning the league title. “We won’t talk about it now. Even last season when we were top, our focus was only on the next game. The best moment to judge the table is after 38 matches, perhaps after 19 as well. Let’s see where we are then. For now, our sole focus is winning the upcoming matches.”

Injury News, Squad Depth, and Forest Approach

Slot also addressed captain Andy Robertson’s remarks about the emotional impact of the late Diogo Jota on the squad, stressing the players are going through a sensitive period. “We miss him as a player and as a person. Last year, we were here against Forest and trailed 1-0; Jota needed just a minute to change the result. I’m talking about the player we miss and the person. It’s good to remember him for who he was and what he gave. I can’t measure its effect on results, and I won’t use it as an excuse, but we miss him 100% as a player and as a human.”

When asked about injury progress ahead of Nottingham Forest, Slot said: “Andy Robertson hasn’t trained yet but will be with us today. Alisson trained last week and this week, so he should be able to play if things go well and if he’s ready, he will start.”

He also warned of new concerns after the international break: “Unfortunately we have a few problems; Conor Bradley can’t play, and Florian Wirtz as well, which is far from ideal.”

Slot explained that injuries are piling up in defense: “Jeremie Frimbong (Frambon) is out for the coming weeks, and Giovanni Leoni as well. Right now we have five defenders for seven matches in 21 days, and I don’t see any returning before then.”

Regarding Forest’s form this season versus last year, Slot added, “No two managers are the same, but Nuno’s approach is closer to Dyche than to Ange Postecoglou. The game might resemble our last meeting with them, more like Dyche’s style.”

He continued, “Form disparity isn’t only down to new signings; even the older players are facing the same issue. The biggest challenge has been the drop in physical readiness due to missing players in pre-season.”

On striker Alex Izak, Slot said, “We wanted him to get more minutes with the national team, but they did not select him because a yellow card would have ruled him out of the next game. For us, it would have been better if he had played more.”

Addressing the right-back crisis, Slot explained that Dominik Soboslay is performing well in any position, Joe Gomez could play there, but he has played 90 minutes twice in 2025 and needs to be protected for 22 days. He also noted Gomez’s lack of recent training but expects him to feature today.

On Bradley and Wirtz, Slot added that both suffer from muscle injuries. “I don’t expect Conor Bradley back within 22 days unless there’s a miracle; Wirtz might return sooner, depending on his progress. Frimpong will miss two to three weeks.”

All in all, Slot’s remarks show Liverpool’s focus on managing the current season amid a heavy schedule and multiple injuries, with Nottingham Forest presenting a crucial test on physical, mental, and tactical levels.

Punchline time: If focus were a transfer, Liverpool would have bought a calendar by now. Punchline two: apparently the only window Liverpool’s interested in is the one that opens when the next whistle blows. Enjoy the ride; your calendar might be busier than Anfield on a matchday!