Did Arne Slot and Richard Hughes make the summer transfer decisions together?
Earlier this week there were claims of a ‘civil war’ at Liverpool, and although this was not specifically mentioned in his press conference, Slot seemingly used a question about transfers to make a point.
When asked whether Liverpool have enough depth or whether additions are needed in January, Slot checked with Hughes and the owners on the direction the club was taking this summer.
“First of all, I’m very happy with the squad we have. All the decisions made last summer and the summer before and all these things are completely in line with me and Richard. [Hughes] and ownership,” he said.
“So I think this season has shown how talented this group is and when everyone is available, how good a team we can be.”
He later added: “This club is in a very good place if everyone is available and we get stronger and stronger. This club is in a very good place for the short term, but certainly also for the medium to long term.”
Given Liverpool’s performance, the noise will continue, but Slot mentioned Hughes and the owners for good reason – even if it was to share the blame!
Hugo Ekitike’s late fitness test against Arsenal
Watch: Arne Slot’s pre-Arsenal press conference
Arne Slot addresses the ‘dull and boring’ tag and provides an update on this Hugo Ekitike condition, and gives a taste of the “real fight” expected in the Emirates.
• Hugo Ekitike will need a late fitness test to determine his involvement against Arsenal. He has not trained so far this week and Wednesday’s session will decide his fate – a start is likely off the table anyway
• Stefan Bajcetic has suffered a setback in his return from a serious hamstring injury, further delaying his return – chances of a first-team appearance are diminishing, which is a huge shame
• Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Juventus, but his former club’s manager, manager Luciano Spalletti, says this is the “first I’ve heard of it” – quite a rejection
• Arne Slot was in the mood to shut things down on Wednesday, first due to a Marc Guehi transfer and then again due to the possible return of Harvey Elliott after a loan spell – it didn’t go well!
• Liverpool women Swedish goalkeeper Jennifer Falk has been loaned out for the remainder of the season, with the 32-year-old set to add plenty of experience to the club’s relegation battle
6 Semenyo alternatives for Liverpool
With Antoine Semenyo on his way to Man City, Sam Millne looked at who Liverpool should target this month to improve their squad:
Semenyo alternatives: 6 goals for Liverpool
- The wildcard: RB Leipzig Yan Diomande has emerged as a top target after scoring a historic hat-trick in the Bundesliga. Leipzig has one €100 million (£86.5 million) price tag.
- The dream signature: Liverpool remains ‘seriously interested’ Michael Olisewho has scored 24 goals for Bayern this season. However, Bayern is working on a new contract.
- The solution for the Premier League: Of Antoine Semenyo comes to CityLiverpool could turn to Brighton Yankuba Minteh.
READ: 6 Semenyo Alternatives: Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola and more
Man United was stuck in the past
• Man United remains in the past Darren Fletcher They asked for Alex Ferguson’s blessing before taking on the interim role – their inability to move on has been their downfall
• And in the same tone: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ruud Van Nistelrooy are contenders for the caretaker role moving forward – that club is stuck in time, not that we’re complaining! (The Telegraph)
• Long-term United target Oliver Glasner admitted there would be a “big offer”. Guehi and he wants the transfer, “it will happen.” This comes amid interest from Man City and Palace now want £40m!
• And Mikel Arteta has confirmed that neither Riccardo Calafiori nor Cristhian Mosquera will play against Liverpool, but Kai Havertz could return after being coached this weekend
Liverpool FC: On this day
Two current Liverpool players made their debuts in the FA Cup matches against Wolves on January 7, but both in different years.
While Curtis Jones played his first game at Molineux in 2019, Cody Gakpo made his bow for the Kop in 2023.
Jones’ evening ended in disappointment, however, as the Reds lost 2–1 in the third round of the cup.
Four years later the Reds fared better at Anfield, drawing 2-2 before winning the replay 1-0 ten days later.
#Finally #spreads #Hughes #rift #decisions