Liverpool may sit atop the Premier League table, but manager Arne Slot is urging his side not to underestimate promoted Ipswich Town ahead of their clash at Anfield this weekend. The Reds boss believes Kieran McKenna’s men have been “unlucky” at times this season and have steadily improved since the opening day defeat to Liverpool.
Reflecting on how his own team has developed since that 2-0 win at Portman Road, Slot admitted the short preseason made it feel like he was still working with a new squad at the time. However, he stressed that Ipswich have also made strides under McKenna’s guidance.
The second half of the season is always more difficult because some teams strengthen themselves during the winter and many teams have worked with managers for half a season, so a team becomes normally better and that is the case for Ipswich. It’s fair to say they have improved and that is a compliment to Kieran McKenna.
Arne Slot on Ipswich Town’s progress
Team News: Jones Out, Konaté Managing Injury
Liverpool will be without midfielder Curtis Jones for the match after he was forced off at halftime in the midweek Champions League win over Lille. However, Slot played down concerns over Ibrahima Konaté‘s fitness, insisting the French defender is being carefully managed after recently returning from a knee injury.
“You have seen how we have tried to manage that [injury],” Slot explained. “Jarell [Quansah] played against Lille and Accrington. That is a bit because [Konate] has some pain. We don’t exaggerate it but he feels it a bit. It’s safe for him to play but you’re aware of the load.”
Key Points Ahead of Liverpool vs Ipswich Town:
- Slot wary of “improved” and “unlucky” Ipswich side
- Liverpool much-changed from opening day win at Portman Road
- Curtis Jones ruled out, Ibrahima Konaté being carefully managed
- Reds looking to maintain lead at top of Premier League table
As Liverpool look to stay on course for a first league title since 2020, Slot knows his team can ill-afford any slip-ups, even against sides in the lower reaches of the table. Ipswich may be 18th, but they have shown enough to suggest they can cause problems for the Reds if underestimated.
With key midfielder Curtis Jones sidelined and star defender Ibrahima Konaté still finding his way back to full fitness, Slot may need to shuffle his pack again. But such is the depth and quality available to the Dutchman, Liverpool will still be strong favorites to secure another vital three points in the title race.
Kick-off at Anfield is scheduled for 3pm local time on Saturday. The Reds faithful will be expecting nothing less than a convincing win to maintain their perch at the Premier League summit. But if Arne Slot’s warnings are anything to go by, Ipswich Town may not go down without a fight on Merseyside.
