Beijing Time (CEST) On September 3, Liverpool manager Arne Slot held a pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's match against Ipswich, discussing the team's overall situation, commenting on Barcola, Gakpo and other players, as well as injury recoveries. The full press conference summary is as follows:

On new signing Barcola:

We are very satisfied with Barcola. Recruiting an excellent player was our absolute priority. He also has an excellent mentality, and I am very happy that he is very eager to join Liverpool. He genuinely wants to be here, which is a good sign, and with his abilities, he comes with the intention to help us and can certainly perform very well. If everything goes well in training today, he will certainly be fit to play tomorrow.

On the relationship with Gakpo:

My relationship with Gakpo has been very straightforward from the start. So far, he has delivered excellent performances in the matches he has played for us. He has always been kept informed of the transfer market situation, and we have maintained close communication. I hope he can maintain this form. He is in good physical and mental condition, and I am very happy that he remains with the team.

On the balance of the squad:

Rather than players who are suited to only one position, we prefer to have high-quality players in the squad. When I was managing other teams, I used to demand that wingers could cover both flanks.

Currently, Ngumoha and Gakpo can both play on the right, and most of the team's wingers play primarily on the left, but they are equally effective when moved to the right. Barcola is extremely versatile and can play on both the left and right flanks. He often played on the right during his time at Lyon. The deployment of wingers must be adjusted flexibly based on opponents. I am very satisfied with our current winger options in the squad; we have completely sufficient rotation options on the right to handle all types of matches.

On external expectations for new signings:

We cannot put pressure on players to perform at a certain level simply because of their transfer fees. Everyone has seen how high the transfer fees have been for players acquired by other teams this summer. As long as a player wears our shirt, he is just an ordinary member of our team.

On the frustration of not having won yet:

Indeed. Not being able to win certainly does not feel good. Although we have only played two matches, we desperately need a victory. Tomorrow's match is crucial. The first two weeks of the season are always the most difficult period, but now that the transfer window is closed and the squad is stable, I feel much more comfortable. We must perform as we should and fulfill our tasks.

On Ipswich:

Ipswich has won their first home match. In the match against Manchester United a few days ago, they dominated the first half until Manchester United turned it around to 2-1, after which the match really opened up. We must be fully prepared and give our best.

On Szoboszlai:

I have never met a player who said he did not want to play in a certain position. The team communicates the tactical arrangements, but everyone is ready to contribute to the team. If Szoboszlai is needed to play as right winger, right-back or midfielder, he always puts the team's interests first.

Currently, the team is dealing with an injury crisis, and it needs versatile players like Szoboszlai who can play multiple positions. Players often have to change positions temporarily during a match.

On the team's ability to adapt when trailing:

Being able to respond after falling behind is a positive sign, but I prefer the team to take the lead first. Last season, we conceded the opening goal in the vast majority of matches; if we could have taken an early lead, the situation would have been completely different.

Our goal is to start with a stronger performance and not wait until we concede before pressing actively. We must take the initiative from the start and control the flow of the match; that will be much easier to play.

On whether Barcola is ready to start:

That is a good question. I see him in good form currently, and he has trained with the team. But honestly, he did not get any playing time during the entire pre-season. His training condition is good, as for whether he should start, we still need to assess it, but we must consider that he missed all the pre-season matches and lacked real match experience.

On the overall transfer operations:

I am very satisfied with the team's recruitment this summer. Do I still want to recruit new players? Ultimately, the new signings the club has finalized are all individuals who can improve the team's strength. 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 worthwhile in the transfer market.

However, I am very satisfied at the moment; the team now possesses an exceptional group of players. Next, it is up to the players to give their best and demonstrate their value.

On injury recovery:

Gomes is the player closest to returning; he will join team training next week. Leoni is next; he should train with the first team during the international break. Bradley, and especially Ekitike, will require a longer recovery period.

On Ngumoha:

We know that Ngumoha can play on the left and has already demonstrated his abilities. We need to refine his performances 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 to the right side simply because his first performance there was not outstanding.

Muñoz played primarily on the left for most of his career, but his performance when moved to the right was even more remarkable. A winger's performance sometimes depends on the cooperation with the teammates around him.

I have great confidence in our several wingers; everyone will have playing opportunities. Ngumoha already has the quality of a Premier League player; his ability is very prominent.

On backup options at right-back and midfield:

Currently, the team's challenge is Bradley's injury, which leaves us short of personnel at right-back. This is why I greatly appreciate Szoboszlai's ability to cover at right-back; players' multi-positional attributes can help us navigate this injury crisis.

In midfield, we have sufficient backup personnel; the key is for me to make the most appropriate tactical choices. I am currently working to find the optimal combinations. The team has a busy schedule ahead, competing on multiple fronts, which will also allow us to test the effectiveness of all available personnel and different midfield combinations. This is precisely what a manager must do well.

Traduit par IA.

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