Beijing time (CEST) September 3, Liverpool manager Arne Slot attended a pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's fixture against Ipswich Town, discussing the team's current situation, commenting on Barcola, Gakpo, and other players, as well as injury recovery. The full transcript of the press conference is as follows:

On new signing Barcola:

We are very pleased with Barcola. Recruiting such an excellent player was a key priority for us. He also has a great mentality, and I'm delighted that he was so eager to join Liverpool. He really wanted to come here, which is a good sign, and with his abilities, he arrived with the intention of helping us and he will certainly be able to play very well. If everything goes smoothly in today's training, he could definitely play tomorrow.

On the relationship with Gakpo:

My relationship with Gakpo has been open from the start. So far, he has performed very well in the matches he's played for us. He is always aware of the transfer market situation, and we have maintained close communication. I hope he can continue to maintain this level of performance. He is in good physical and mental condition, and I'm very pleased that he can remain with the team.

On squad balance:

Rather than having players suited for only one position, we prefer to have high-quality players in the squad. When I coached other teams, I used to ask my wingers to cover both flanks.

Currently, Salah and Gakpo can both play on the right wing, and most wingers in the squad primarily play on the left, but they perform just as well when moved to the right. Barcola is very adaptable and can play on both the left and right wings; he often played on the right during his time at Lyon. The use of wingers needs to be adjusted flexibly depending on the opposition. I am very satisfied with the current depth of wingers in our squad; the rotation options on the right wing are more than sufficient to handle all types of matches.

On external expectations for new signings:

We cannot pressure a player to perform simply because of their transfer fee. Everyone has seen how high transfer fees have been for other teams' players this summer. Once a player puts on our shirt, he is just a regular member of our team.

On frustration from not yet winning:

Indeed. It's certainly not easy when you don't win. Although we've only played two matches, we really need a victory. Tomorrow's match is very important. The first two weeks of the season are always the most challenging period, but now that the transfer window has closed and the squad is settled, I feel much more at ease. We need to perform to expectations and fulfill our responsibilities.

On Ipswich Town:

Ipswich achieved their first home win. A few days ago against Manchester United, they dominated the first half until Manchester United scored to make it 2-1, then the match became wide open. We must be fully prepared and give everything.

On Szoboszlai:

I have never encountered a player who refuses to play in a certain position. The team communicates the tactical setup, but everyone is willing to contribute for the team. If Szoboszlai needs to play as a right winger, right-back, or central midfielder, he always prioritizes the team's interests.

Currently, the team is dealing with an injury crisis, and we need a versatile player like Szoboszlai who can play in many positions. Players often have to shift positions during matches.

On the team's ability to recover when falling behind:

It's a positive sign to be able to come back after conceding first, but I prioritize the team going ahead early. Last season, we conceded first in most of our matches. If we could go ahead early, the situation would be very different.

Our focus is to start stronger and not wait until we concede to apply pressure. We must take the initiative from the start, control the flow of the match, and that will be far easier to play.

On whether Barcola is ready to start:

That's a good question. I see he is in good condition now, and he has trained with the team. But honestly, he didn't get any playing time during the entire preseason. His training form is good, but regarding whether to start him, we still need to consider it carefully, keeping in mind that he missed all preseason matches and hasn't had actual match time.

On the overall transfer operation:

I am very satisfied with the transfer work the team has done this summer. Would I like to recruit more new players? Ultimately, the new players the club recruits are individuals who can strengthen the team. We also considered other targets previously, but due to various considerations such as competitive factors or financial costs, we ultimately decided against them. Those deals were not good value in the transfer market.

However, I am satisfied now; the team now has a wonderful group of players. Next, it is up to the players to give their all and prove their value.

On injury recovery:

Gomez is closest to returning, and he will return to full training next week. Leoni is next, and he is expected to train with the main squad during the international break. Bradley, and especially Ekitike, will need more time to recover.

On Ngumoha:

We know that Ngumoha can play on the left and has demonstrated his ability. We need to sharpen his performance on the right, which will expand his adaptability on the pitch. He is still very young, and we cannot conclude that he is no longer suited for the right just because his first appearance there was not outstanding.

Muñoz has played mostly on the left throughout his career, but he performs better when moved to the right. How well a winger plays sometimes depends on the interaction and coordination with his teammates around him.

I have great belief in some of the wingers in the squad, and everyone will get opportunities to play. Ngumoha already has the quality of a Premier League player, and his abilities are exceptional.

On the depth of rotation at right-back and midfield:

The current challenge for the team is Bradley's injury, which leaves us short of personnel at right-back. This is why I greatly appreciate Szoboszlai's ability to play as a right-back; a player's versatility can help us get through an injury crisis.

We have adequate personnel in midfield, and the key is for me to find the tactical setup that best suits us. I am currently searching for the optimal combination. The team has a packed schedule and will compete in many competitions, which will also allow us to test the effectiveness of all available players and different midfield combinations. This is what a manager needs to do well.

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