Arne Slot had an interesting press conference ahead of the Reds' Champions League match with Qarabag. He lamented the amount of games being played and how it leads to injuries, addressed the “noise” around the club and talked about the challenge Qarabag will be.
An Unpopular Opinion
Slot says one of the main reasons Liverpool are struggling in the EPL is their participation in the Champions League.
“I know this is an unpopular opinion, but one of the main reasons we won the league last year is we lost to PSG, and we had a week to rest and prepare for league games. Arsenal did not have that, and they dropped points. This year, it seems we also drop points or lose after a Champions League win, and then you have players playing so many minutes. We want to be playing Champions League football, but you have to find a balance. You could see it against Bournemouth. Players were tired, and we gave up a late goal. Every loss, the noise around the club gets louder, and that is fair. We are Liverpool. We are expected to compete for the league every year.”
Team News
Slot confirmed that Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate will miss the match.
“For sure, at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back. “I can only play a midfielder as there are no centre-backs available apart from Virgil [Van Dijk]," he said. “I have to adapt with the system or players in different positions. This doesn't help with the narrative; I am completely aware of that. It is a difficult balance. Before people say I don't listen to medical staff, I am listening, but sometimes I make my own decisions. I speak to my players, I know how they feel, and if they are ready, I take that all into account. If you don't know the information, it is easy to criticise."
A Good Team
Even though Qarabag have never beaten an English side, they did earn a draw against Chelsea earlier in the competition.
“Everybody in the Champions League is a big team,” Slot said. In terms of playing style, they are very direct, fast players with runs in behind. They are comfortable on the ball and a hard team to beat.”
LFC Globe Verdict
It will be interesting to see what the lineup will be, particularly in the back. Slot has already admitted that he will have no centre-back except for Virgil van Dijk. With such a direct team like Qarabag, it could test the defence even more. The key is to hold possession and take advantage of the Reds' skill advantage higher up the pitch.
Where To Watch
| Match Info | UK Broadcast | US Broadcast | Canada Broadcast |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT | 8:00 PM ET | 8:00 PM ET |
| TV Channel | TNT Sports | TUDN (Spanish Broadcast) | FuboTV |
| Live Stream | Discovery + | Paramount+ | FuboTV Canada |
