Arne Slot Manager
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Liverpool delivered an impressive performance at the Orange Velodrome, defeating Marseille 3-0 in a crucial UEFA fixture. The victory, highlighted by a stunning free-kick from Dominik Szoboszlai, an own goal by Geronimo Rulli, and a last-minute goal from substitute Cody Gakpo, leaves Liverpool needing only a win against Qarabag at Anfield to ensure their progression to the knockout stages without the need for a play-off.
Arne Slot said: “Two or three minutes after you guys (reporters) left yesterday he stepped out of the training session. We took him with us because we don’t expect it to be a long-term injury, so we are here tonight and a bit longer, we thought it would be good for him to have his treatment here. We were hoping that he might have been fit in time but he wasn’t. He tried in the warm-up but he wasn’t able to make it.”
Slot further elaborated on the strategic importance of avoiding the play-offs, noting the team’s consistent performance and the challenges of a smaller squad.
Arne Slot added: “Is it important to avoid the play-offs? That’s been the way since the start. The last 13 games we’ve only been 54 minutes behind. We’ve had the lead multiple times. Had to play with the same players. We don’t have as big a squad as others. I don’t think it’s real but you never know that every time the same players are playing, it could be a reason why we run out of energy in some games where we have conceded. It’s more than people realise. We’re seven months in and Virgil van Dijk hasn’t had more than three days off. Same for Ryan Gravenberch and all the other players.”
The decision to include Federico Chiesa in the squad, despite his fitness concerns, was a calculated move by Slot, who hoped the player might recover in time for the match. Although Chiesa was unable to participate, his presence was deemed beneficial for his treatment and morale.
Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures include a Premier League clash against Bournemouth, followed by the decisive match against Qarabag. The team’s recent form and Slot’s strategic management have positioned Liverpool favorably for the challenges ahead.
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