1 day ago
28
Things are changing around the AXA Training Centre. For those attending Arne Slot’s pre-match press conferences this week, that’s clear to see.
He’s a man under pressure following a run of just four wins in 14. But in truth, that hasn’t really shone through when addressing the media. In general, Slot has remained level-headed, congenial, and honest. At times, the latter has had unwanted repercussions.
Invariably, for a team struggling, every answer given by the Dutchman is now pored over; any little remark taken out of context. Earlier this season, Slot was unfairly accused of arrogance and ignorance when assessing the strengths of his opponents.
After the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Wednesday, Slot’s comments were gleefully torn apart by his detractors. Admittedly, his verdict that Liverpool deserved at least a point was not shared by the vast majority inside the ground, while his admission that Anfield has lost its fear factor quickly became headline fodder.
Then again, had he disputed that clearly evident state of affairs, would Slot not have also been criticized?
That’s why, to his credit, the former Feyenoord boss’ continued upbeat demeanour should be commended. There’s little difference in his demeanor compared to this time last year, when the Reds were effortlessly swotting teams aside.
Yet there is a change from those sitting on the other side of Slot’s giant white table. The platitudes and fawning that often greet a winning head coach have been replaced by probing queries and pointed questions.
That shift was evident ahead of this weekend’s trip to Leeds, as Slot spoke to the media at the AXA, which has been bedecked with festive decorations this week.
Slot rushed in late to Friday’s press conference — his timekeeping, much like his team’s performances, is less reliable this season.
After a fluffy opener, it was right down to the uncomfortable topic, one Slot knew was coming: Will Mohamed Salah return to the team on Saturday?
This wasn’t the last question on an underperforming player, or a squad member currently on the margins. Slot was quizzed on Alexander Isak’s ineffective start to life at Anfield, while another reporter asked when, if ever, Federico Chiesa will be given a starting berth in the Premier League.
Slot’s decisions are now routinely examined. A Hungarian reporter inquired about the use of Dominik Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s star performer this term, who has started in four different positions across the last six Premier League games.
Slot has been forced to change tack this season in an attempt to find a winning formula, but a consistent thread throughout Liverpool's performances has been its meekness. Therefore, questions surrounding Liverpool’s ability to cope with the hostile environment and physical approach it will face at Elland Road on Saturday were inevitable.
The squad’s depth and make-up have also been under the microscope recently. Slot is not entirely to blame for that, but he was given a fresh reminder of those fragilities when it was suggested Cody Gakpo has no real competition for a starting place, while another query about Hugo Ekitike’s role in the squad was delivered.
Even a banal team news question highlighted the continued problems Liverpool is juggling with at right-back.
From Slot’s perspective, his responses avoided controversy. Most will likely go unnoticed, even his well-delivered riposte concerning Isak’s lack of touches, but the line of questioning should not.
They will never hold greater attention than the answers offered – and nor should they – but on this occasion, the questions Slot faced were telling. It underlined the breadth of problems he is currently facing as we rush toward the campaign’s midpoint.
The giant tree in the foyer serves as a reminder of that.
For now, that is the most conspicuous change at AXA. Slot will hope that by the time it comes down, he has found answers to at least some of his mounting problems.
English (US) ·