Arne Slot offers verdict on Liverpool transfer strategy after Jeremy Jacquet - 'Let that be clear'

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has admitted the Reds were looking for reinforcements at the end of the January window, but he respects the long-term approach that is being taken

Arne Slot during a Liverpool training session.(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool was unable to secure the signing of Lutsharel Geertruida before Monday's transfer deadline, acknowledging his desire to strengthen the squad.

However, the Reds boss maintains he feels no frustration over the club's inability to reinforce his options as he now focuses on securing Champions League qualification without the additions he sought.

Following January injuries to Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Jeremie Frimpong, which further depleted a defensive unit already missing Giovanni Leoni — sidelined with a season-ending ACL injury sustained in September — the Premier League champion attempted to bring in cover through Geertruida, who captained Slot's side at Feyenoord.

Nevertheless, a deal for the Netherlands international, currently on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, proved too complex to complete so late in the window, and by Sunday evening, Liverpool had abandoned its pursuit of the 25-year-old.

The Reds ultimately reached an $82 million (£60 million) agreement with Rennes to sign 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet, beating off fierce competition from Chelsea in the process.

While Slot is thrilled to bring in the young Frenchman, who will join his new teammates from July 1, he also admitted he wanted reinforcements for the remainder of a campaign that sees them welcome Manchester City this weekend, while sitting in sixth place.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot.(Image: Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images)

"I think I've said that we've tried to strengthen the squad, so that probably tells you [I wanted players] and I don't think I was the only one who wanted that," Slot said.

"But it's always about availability and the right player. We do have discussions about what is good for the short and for the long term of the club and now, for example, Jeremy Jacquet wasn't available for the winter, but he was for the summer.

"We've made a decision to sign him because we think he's a really good signing for the future of this club. I'm very happy with the squad. Let that be clear. But it's all clear and obvious that we have three long-term injuries (Bradley, Leoni, Alexander Isak).

Arne Slot emerges for a Liverpool training session.(Image: Nikki Dyer - Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

"That's why we've tried to strengthen the squad in the winter break, and the player you mentioned (Geertruida), in the end, wasn't available. But we've tried to strengthen the squad — that is clear.

"And that tells you that we think that it would have helped us. But it should be possible that we're not going to sign players that are not good enough to play for this club."

Despite seeking additional options to work with between now and May, Slot acknowledges the parameters that he operates within at Anfield.

"I have always worked the same," he continued. "I always want the best for the club. Of course, sometimes there is interest from an individual, it could be a player or manager.

"But I always want the best for the club even if in the short term it is not ideal for me. I am not saying it is but if it means this, I would always go for the signing that is best for the club.

"I knew which club I went into, this club has a model of signing talented players younger.

"I have always liked to work in that way. I am also the head coach and not the manager; I prefer this because the amount of work you have to do as a head coach is so much. I wonder how people could have done those two jobs.

"I don't have time to watch 10 live games of a new player coming in and if I do, I cannot have time to do my job as a head coach as I am doing now."