Arne Slot Press Conference: Nottingham Forest (A)
by Sam French
Arne Slot offered updates on player injuries and team plans ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The manager confirmed that Joe Gomez is available for selection after a minor setback, while Jeremie Frimpong "will not be involved" against Nottingham Forest. However, Arne Slot admitted that he is hopeful that the right-back will be back in action next week, barring any setbacks.
Unfortunately, Wataru Endo is facing a longer-term spell on the sidelines due to an injury sustained in the midweek game against Sunderland, though the manager is yet to provide a specific recovery timeline
Isak's Recovery: “We’re in the Final Stages”
The big news on the injury front involves Alexander Isak, who is recovering from a serious leg injury. The manager revealed that the Swedish striker has now reached a significant milestone in his recovery, having started running on the pitch in training, though still not in football boots.
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"It’s nice that rehab has gone well, compliments to him and our medical staff. The next step is to get him back working with the ball and eventually into group training. There’s no clear timescale, but if things go as planned, he will be available this season."
Despite the positive progress, the Dutchman was cautious not to set expectations on when the former Newcastle United striker will return to full match fitness.
Dominik Szoboszlai's versatility:
Dominik Szoboszlai’s flexibility has caught Arne Slot’s eye this season, with the Hungarian international having played in multiple roles, from right-back to central midfield.
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“A player with his quality can play in multiple positions, and I have to find the best position for him and the team,” he said. "He played a very good game in midfield against Brighton, and before that, he was solid at right-back. I think his versatility is invaluable to us."
With Liverpool still adjusting their system and the return of several players, Arne Slot is focused on finding the best positions for everyone, particularly Dominik Szoboszlai, who has shown his class wherever he has played this season.
Facing Nottingham Forest:
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Reflecting on the earlier defeat to Nottingham Forest this season, where Liverpool lost 3-0 at Anfield to the side from the East Midlands, Arne Slot was keen to stress the difference in circumstances now. That win for the visitors came early into the reign of Sean Dyche but he was sacked last week by Nottingham Forest.
"Back then, it was Sean Dyche’s third or fourth game, and that makes things a little more difficult. But now with Vitor Pereira in charge, it’s a new challenge. We’ll have the game against Fenerbahce to see if he makes any changes in personnel, but we know what we’re up against."
Therefore, he emphasized the unpredictable nature of facing a side with a new manager but added that Vitor Pereira’s experience in the Premier League and Nottingham Forest’s need for points would make them a tough opponent.
No Need for Extra Rest:
Finally, when asked whether he felt the need for a break after a busy schedule, the manager gave a pragmatic response: "I didn’t need it, no. Last season, maybe, but not this time. It was nice to have a few days off, but I’m enjoying the work I’m doing with the team and staff."
He concluded with thoughts on his team’s recent return to winning form.
"We always try to press and bring the ball out from the back, but sometimes the opposition doesn’t want an entertaining game. When we’ve lost or drawn, it’s often because we didn’t deserve the results. But recently, we’ve gotten back to normal, and that’s reflected in both our performances and results."
They come into this on the back of two wins, with a 1-0 win at Sunderland in the Premier League and last week’s 3-0 win at home against Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup.
The season continues to move into a critical phase and Arne Slot will be determined to ensure Liverpool’s momentum continues with a positive performance and result against Nottingham Forest.