1 day ago
38
Arne Slot has insisted that he won't rip up his Liverpool blueprint amid a run of six defeats in seven games in all competitions — but he hasn't ruled out being more pragmatic ahead of a huge week.
The Reds host Aston Villa on Saturday before Real Madrid comes to Anfield on Tuesday in the Champions League. The following weekend, Liverpool heads to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.
Ahead of the Aston Villa game, Slot was asked about the possibility of going more defensive, perhaps by starting Joe Gomez at right-back as a more solid option in that position, especially with Jeremie Frimpong currently sidelined.
"It does go against my beliefs," he replied. "But I have won games in the past, like Man City away — that went against my beliefs but was necessary.
"I would be open to adapting to certain situations. But I don't think the story is that we concede chance after chance, or that we are too open. It is not like this in every game.
"Other than Palace and Brentford, we deserved more than we got in those other games. I don't see a reason to change our playing style completely. But we need to do better at not conceding goals."
Arsenal has conceded only three times in the Premier League so far this season. Last weekend, Liverpool let in three against Brentford in West London in another bruising defeat.
By the time the Reds kick off at Anfield against Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta's men could be 10 points ahead. They face Burnley earlier in the day at Turf Moor.
"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 said. "This will lead to these players scoring more goals than we have done."
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Having hinted at a lack of squad depth earlier in the week, Slot also clarified his comments regarding Manchester City and Chelsea being able to field stronger sides midweek in the League Cup.
"I am happy with the team, the quality we have, and convinced by the strategy and policy we have," he said. "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."
Liverpool.com says: Something will have to change in a big week for the Reds. Liverpool has been shipping goals and hasn't found the right balance so far, but Slot will one way or another eventually.
English (US) ·