Slot Reveals Why Iketike and Izak Joined Liverpool—and What It Says About Their Next Moves
29 septembre 2025
Context and Key Decisions
In a media briefing, Dutch coach Arne Slot explained why Italian Federico Chiesa was left out of the Liverpool squad for the upcoming Galatasaray match in the Champions League group stage. The clash is set for Tuesday, contending with Istanbul’s tricky backdrop as a second-round fixture in Europe’s premier competition.
Chiesa’s omission came as a surprise given his inclusion on the Champions League list a few days earlier, with space created after Gio Leoni suffered a torn ACL. Slot noted the need to balance squad depth with fitness realities as Liverpool navigate a tight schedule.
“Chiesa felt some mild pains against Crystal Palace,” Slot said, citing the Engligh network Liverpool Echo. “He tried, but could not finish training, so we left him out because we face Chelsea in a few days.”
On the Crystal Palace defeat, Slot added: “If you want to compete for titles and wear the Liverpool shirt, you must give your best. We created chances, we can improve, and I’ll discuss these points with the players tonight.”
Iketike and Izak: The Two 9s
Slot addressed the club’s new attacking signings, saying, “We added two number 9s because of Darvin Jota’s cruel misfortune. We thought about replacing Darwin Núñez, but we needed two attackers.” He stressed the ongoing pursuit of high-caliber forwards and clarified that Iketike and Izak were clear targets from the start.
He noted that one strength last season was to keep opposition chances away from their goal, a factor that informed changes to full-backs and defensive structure. Slot also underlined the need for 11 players to relentlessly contest chances and acknowledged that set-pieces remain a different, decisive battleground.
When discussing the Galatasaray assessment, Slot called them a “different team that is hard to beat,” highlighting their mental toughness after a strong start to the season. Izak responded that he has adapted well and that everything is going smoothly, with room to grow as the season unfolds.
On the competition with Izak, Slot added that Liverpool’s big club status means they cannot rely on a single striker; having Izak beside Iketike offers versatility. He stressed that the manager will decide who plays, and that Izak and Iketike bring a broader skill set and different options for the team’s attack.
Liverpool's Tactics and Set Pieces
Slot emphasized that Liverpool’s approach is not about possession for possession’s sake; it is about scoring and winning. He pointed out that Liverpool often dominate possession, but doing so must translate into goals. To address the season’s defensive and attacking challenges, Liverpool have adapted their setup, changing wing-backs and reinforcing the frontline with versatile forwards who can press and finish opportunities.
He also spoke about his experiences from previous clubs, including Frankfurt and Paris Saint-Germain, underscoring a philosophy of balance between attack and defense while aiming to maximize set-piece efficiency. Slot’s broader message across these remarks was clear: Liverpool are evolving, and Iketike and Izak are central to that evolution as they pursue Champions League success.
As for the immediate future, Slot reinforced his belief in the transfer choices and the team’s ability to implement the tactical plan on the pitch. He reminded fans that every match is different, especially in Europe, and that the squad must stay adaptive and focused on collective goals.
Punchline time: If goals were a joke, Slot just delivered a double punchline—two new strikers, two new punchlines, and a net that’s finally tired of hearing crickets. Punchline two: If the scoreboard is a diary, Liverpool just filed a chronicling of “two 9s and counting.”
