Arne Slot issues response to Liverpool contract question with 'focus' clear

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot was surprised at a question regarding potential contract talks during his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Aston Villa at Anfield this weekend.

The Reds have lost six of their last seven games heading into a big week and while things do need to improve, there has been speculation about Liverpool looking to extend Slot's deal on improved terms after he won the Premier League title at the first time of asking in 2024/25.

"This is the last question I was expecting," Slot said in his press conference. "My focus is completely on getting Liverpool back to winning ways.

"Contract talks, if they are there, we do not speak about this here. First we must start to win again."

After facing Aston Villa, Liverpool will host Real Madrid in the Champions League and then faces a trip to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City before the November international break.

On his squad depth, Slot said: "I am happy with the team, the quality we have, and convinced by the strategy and policy we have. But that makes it the issue, not all of them had a proper pre-season or have been injured.

"So when three or four are injured, you go back to 15 or 16. I am convinced 20 is enough, but we are struggling to keep them fit for obvious reasons."

Ryan Gravenberch trained with Liverpool yesterday and could be involved against Aston Villa.

Alexander Isak and Curtis Jones did not, however, and are not expected to be involved. Alisson Becker and Jeremie Frimpong remain sidelined, while Giovanni Leoni is a long-term absentee.

"The thing that gives me the most confidence is the quality of the players we have and the amount of chances they are creating," Slot continued.

"This will lead to these players scoring more goals than we have done.

"It goes against my beliefs [to become more defensive] but I have won games in the past against my beliefs, like Man City away. I would be more than open to adapt in certain situations."

Liverpool.com says: Slot remains the right man to turn things around at Anfield but there is a big week coming up. Liverpool could really do with starting strongly with a solid victory over Aston Villa. Anything other than that would make the rest of the week look even more daunting.

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