Slot requests to bounce off the Plymouth Horror Show
Arne Slot dismisses the theory that Liverpool could benefit from Sunday’s Shock FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle, and will be taking on his team tomorrow night when he faces Merseyside rival Everton. They demanded to show “different aspects of us.”
Liverpool won a weakened team at home park over the weekend and didn’t stand still as the championship fighters won 1-0 to end the Reds’ limb hopes.
Some critics have suggested that being out of one competition could bolster Liverpool’s chances of success in the Premier League, Champions League and EFL Cups.
He states:
“We’re definitely the schedule we have, because this is our schedule. It’s not what we wanted when we went to Plymouth.”
In the Merseyside Derby pic.twitter.com/vvidgwsfb1
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 10, 2025
The slot would have been stronger in Plymouth.
Slot said he was going to play a stronger team against Plymouth, but the situation meant his hands were tied up.
“It was difficult because the plan was to play with Joe (Gomez) for over 60 minutes. The plan was to start Curtis (Jones) but he came on Sunday and felt good enough to play. I said it didn’t turn, so suddenly I missed two important players,” he said.
“I think people know the situation in Darwin (Nunes) and he came a little later because it happened in Spain, as he became a father a day or two before the game.
“There were some situations where it wasn’t perfect when it came to Plymouth. The idea was to play with a stronger team, but the fact that the team still couldn’t beat that game and I didn’t oppose PSV. The fact that you should also say that these players are definitely needed to make the most of these games.
“If they’re barely playing the game, it’s very difficult to get the most out of them, and that’s why it’s so unfortunate for them.”
Vandik and Sarah are back
Slots field his big guns when Liverpool makes a short trip across Stanley Park and the likes of Virgil Van Dik and Mohamed Sarah are restored to the starting lineup.
And he expects a response from the weekend setback.
He said:
“We beat Accrington Stanley, but of course we can’t accept losing to Plymouth. As a team, and I think our fans are disappointed with the outcome.
“Tomorrow we have to show another side of ourselves, not only is it a result, but the performance was far from Liverpool’s standard.”
Ready for the final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park 👊🔴 pic.twitter.com/zzi2tfg6g1
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 11, 2025
Ready for the final derby
Before Everton moves to the new stadium at Bramley Mooedok, it could become the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, and the atmosphere could be electric.
“I think that’s why the atmosphere is even better than everything that pre-existed,” Slott said. “I’ve never been before, but people tell me at Goodison Park. In Anfield, it’s always a great vibe.
“You have to be mentally strong as an away team. When you have the ball, you need to be as calm as possible, but these players play in this vibe. It’s not the first time I’ve had so I hope they can focus on what they have to do.
“Our players are ready for another fight tomorrow, simply because they’re prepared for the whole season, and I think a lot of that has been experienced with this tie.”
Torrent was able to return
Gomez limped at Plymouth just 11 minutes later, and is out, but Trent Alexander Arnold may be right to return.
“Trent did some of his training sessions with us yesterday, so let’s see how he’s doing today,” Slot said. “He trains with us again today and then we decide whether to take him into the game or not.
“Joe, we still appreciate that because he was injured last time on the same foot again, but he definitely won’t be available tomorrow. That’s a concern (being the same foot). .”