Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot is brimming with confidence after his team’s blistering start to the season. Since taking over from the legendary Jürgen Klopp, Slot has guided the Reds to an impressive 14 wins in their first 16 games across all competitions.
Currently top of both the Premier League and their Champions League group, Liverpool look primed for a serious challenge on multiple fronts this season. But Slot insists he is not surprised by their early success.
Slot Praises Team’s Quality and Consistency
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Slot was quick to praise the quality within his squad. “I don’t think surprise is the right word to use because I knew the quality of our team,” he told reporters. “But quality is one thing and consistency is another.”
The Dutchman acknowledged that while Liverpool have been fortunate at times, their positive results have been well-deserved overall. “Sometimes a bit of luck comes with that as well. Most of our results were deserved but some have been a close call,” Slot admitted.
He credited his players’ relentless work ethic and dedication in training for their consistent performances on the pitch. “When I started working with them I saw how much effort they put in to get these results.”
Jota Still Sidelined, Jones Thriving
Liverpool will have to make do without forward Diogo Jota for a while longer as he continues his recovery from injury. The Portuguese international has been out of action since the Reds’ 2-1 win over Chelsea on October 20th.
Slot refused to provide details on the nature of Jota’s injury, citing player privacy. However, he did confirm that the 25-year-old is not expected to return until “one or two games after the international break.”
There is privacy about this. He will be back one or two games after the international break.
– Arne Slot on Diogo Jota’s injury status
In more positive news, Curtis Jones has been in sparkling form for Liverpool recently. The 21-year-old midfielder, who recently earned a call-up to the England squad, put in a man-of-the-match display in Tuesday’s 4-0 Champions League rout of Bayer Leverkusen.
Slot believes that Jones’ upturn in form can be attributed to becoming a father last month. “Since the moment he became a father, he started putting great performances in,” the Liverpool boss revealed.
He has a lot of qualities on the ball, when he has it he’s never afraid to do something special. Sometimes he is a bit too over-confident but confidence is important. He also has an incredibly high work-rate and we can trust him defensively.
– Arne Slot on Curtis Jones’ development
Maintaining Momentum Key for Reds
With a two-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League and maximum points so far in Europe, Liverpool have put themselves in a fantastic position heading into the busy winter period.
Maintaining this momentum will be crucial if Slot’s men are to mount a sustained challenge for honors both domestically and on the continent. The Merseysiders have a favorable run of league fixtures coming up, with home games against Aston Villa, Southampton and Wolves sandwiching a trip to Tottenham.
In the Champions League, Liverpool can secure qualification for the knockout stage with a win over Ajax at Anfield next week. Topping their group would likely secure an easier draw in the Round of 16.
While there is still a long way to go, Arne Slot and his Liverpool squad have already shown they have the quality, consistency, and winning mentality to compete for major trophies this season. If they can maintain their current levels, Reds fans could be celebrating come May.
