Arne Slot Acknowledges Premier League's Toughness Compared to Eredivisie After Initial Match
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Synopsis
Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot reflects on the challenges of the Premier League compared to the Eredivisie after his first match at Anfield, highlighting the competitive nature of his upcoming opponent, Brentford.
Key Takeaways
- Arne Slot recognizes the Premier League's complexity.
- Brentford poses a significant challenge for Liverpool.
- Diogo Jota's fitness is under evaluation ahead of the match.
- Slot emphasizes focus on team performance over opponents' schedules.
- Transition from Feyenoord to Liverpool marks a new chapter for Slot.
Liverpool, Jan 17 (NationPress) Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has acknowledged that the Premier League presents a greater challenge than the Dutch top division, Eredivisie.
With Liverpool set to face Brentford on Saturday, Slot was queried about whether playing before Arsenal could give his team an edge in the league standings.
“My focus is solely on the opponent we are about to face, and they are indeed a formidable challenge. (Brentford) marked my debut in the Premier League (at Anfield), and it struck me then that 'If this is the level of competition we face weekly, it certainly is a tougher league than the Eredivisie.' I had an idea prior to my arrival, but that day reaffirmed it,” Slot expressed during a press briefing.
“Brentford has had an impressive season thus far, including a thrilling 2-2 draw against (Manchester) City, showcasing both teams generating numerous chances. Their manager has consistently delivered exceptional results over the years.”
“It’s clear that this squad has built a strong rapport with their manager over a significant period. My primary concern is not when Arsenal or Chelsea play, but rather on our performance and the team we are about to confront,” Slot remarked.
The Dutch coach transitioned to the Reds from Feyenoord in the Eredivisie at the onset of the new season, succeeding Jurgen Klopp, who stepped down after a nine-year tenure.
Slot also revealed that Liverpool will evaluate Diogo Jota's fitness to determine his availability for the upcoming match against Brentford.
The forward experienced some discomfort following his impactful cameo at Nottingham Forest midweek and will undergo an assessment by the club's medical staff.
Jota had already faced a period out of play this season due to an injury sustained against Chelsea in October, which sidelined him until mid-December.
“There’s no denying that Jota is a crucial asset for our team, yet he did not participate in training yesterday, which implies we need to evaluate his condition today. Thus, his availability for tomorrow remains uncertain. We will see how he feels today,” Slot continued.
“He experienced a minor issue during his half-hour stint at Forest. While he managed to complete the match, he reported some discomfort afterward, leading to his absence from training yesterday. We will assess his status today and, of course, tomorrow,” Slot concluded.
