Arne Slot has highlighted Liverpool’s long-term recruitment strategy and the importance of continued development as he spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City at Anfield.

Jacquet and Long-Term Strategy

Arne Slot was full of praise for Liverpool’s latest addition of a centre-back, Jeremy Jacquet, who agreed a move to Anfield earlier this week.

“It’s very pleasing,” Slot said. “He’s a very big talent and we weren’t the only ones interested in him, so another big compliment for the people working hard every day to sign players.”

The Liverpool boss described the deal as another example of the club’s recruitment model, focusing on signing “young, very talented players” who can make an impact both immediately and over the long term.

The manager did, however, offer praise once again for Virgil van Dijk and said “if he can stay as fit as he is now” then he may still be with the club for “even longer” than is currently planned.

Wirtz Praise After Strong Form

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Arne Slot also reflected on the recent form of Florian Wirtz, which has earned the German a Premier League Player of the Month Nomination, stressing the importance of patience and trust in a player’s development.

“It’s always credit to the player because he has to do the work, not only on the pitch but also in the gym,” he explained. “But as a manager, even if he is maybe physically struggling a little bit at the start, you need to keep on playing him because that’s the only way players can improve.”

He pointed to the German as one of several examples within his squad this season, suggesting that the players and the team as a whole have made progress.

“Results Matter More and More”

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Turning attention to Manchester City, the Dutchman acknowledged the scale of the challenge facing his side, describing the fixture as a key moment in Liverpool’s ongoing development.

“It’s another moment to see where we are in the development of this team,” he said. “That being said, we also know the importance of getting a result. It’s the end phase of the season, so results matter more and more.”

The Liverpool boss was quick to underline City’s continued strength, referencing their midweek win over Newcastle, a team Liverpool beat last weekend.

“They’re a very good team,” Arne Slot said. “They were able to win on Wednesday, not even with their starters. That tells you, combined with the game we played against them, what a force City still is and always will be.”

Team news

Arne Slot also provided a brief fitness update ahead of Sunday’s clash. Joe Gomez could feature in some capacity but is unlikely to start, while Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable.

Liverpool will be hoping for a positive result at the weekend to help their push for a Champions League place. They come into this after wins against Newcastle United and Qarabag and Arne Slot stated that his side were “really good” in those matches. He added that “consistency” remains the challenge. 

Credit: Liverpool FC

Arne Slot knows that Manchester City will be tough opponents but suggested that the game between the two sides back in November was an exception as, for the most part, he said Liverpool have “shown we can compete with any team we have faced.”