Slot admits major Liverpool concern facing Arsenal; leaves door open to Isak

Liverpool boss Arne Slot was reluctant to talk up the chances of signing Alexander Isak at this morning's media conference.

With Arsenal to visit Anfield on Sunday, Slot was first asked about whether news that Newcastle had agreed a deal with Stuttgart for Nick Woltemade offered him hope of signing Isak.

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"Well, if it's true, then that's very nice for Eddie (Howe, Newcastle manager) because Anthony Gordon is suspended and Isak is obviously not playing," was Slot's reply.

"So it's nice for him to have another No9."

Slot then said: "Well, we've been able to make good substitutions like Federico (Chiesa) against Bournemouth and Rio (Ngumoha against Newcastle on the weekend).

"But as always, we if we can strengthen the squad, we will always try to do that if it’s the right money and the right player.

"There's only four days to go, so we'll see what we can do."

Ekitike even better when fully fit

Beyond the Isak situation, Slot was happy to discuss the instant goalscoring impact of summer arrival Hugo Ekitike.

The Frenchman has three goals in his first three appearances for Liverpool.

Slot continued: "He has already made a big impact, not only scoring goals but the build-up situations. The most simple answer to what he can improve is his match fitness.

"I expect him to do a lot, lot more with what he does without the ball, which is completely normal, as it's a different league and different playing style."

Arsenal set-piece strength

On facing the Gunners, Slot admits he can see they have improved from last season.

He said, "I think they have similarities, the playing style of Arsenal not changed too much. A different No9 this season but Gabriel Jesus played but Gyokores is different to Havertz, who is more false 9, and a target man who maybe makes more runs in behind. I think it is the same style.

"We much change a lot. They were already a strong team and they have improved over the summer.

"For us, what stands out and where we must improve - and it's something they are strong at - is our defending. We have conceded a lot of goals already, even in preseason.

"If I include the (Athletic) Bilbao game and their four set-pieces, which is one of Arsenal's biggest strengths, it is clearly something we must improve upon."

Asked about the risk of dropping points against a direct title rival, Slot insists Sunday's result won't be decisive.

"No...not so much to do with losing ground early but it's more in the beginning you want, normally, teams don't play their best unless you keep the squad. If you look at ours, we've lost a few, added a few, so not all the way new again but it's normal we can play even better in a few weeks than we do now.

"In the meantime you can lose ground, not a lot. But I would be surprised if there is a points record this season because the strength of the league, so you are allowed to drop points once in a while and still be competitive.

"If it's even possible (the league is stronger) but I think in general teams spent more, not 100% sure, net spend I am talking about. Maybe I am wrong but last season we didn't do a lot but our competitors didn't I think, that is different this season. Man City and Arsenal didn't do too many last season."

Ngumoha starting?

Meanwhile, on the prospect of 16 year-old Ngumoha starting on Sunday, Slot urged calm. The matchwinner at Newcastle will be in the squad, but his manager insists he will begin from the bench.

He said, "He is a left winger, that is the role I see for him! On a serious note, the whole press conference started with spending of us and other clubs and in the end a 16-year-old coming from the academy scores the winner, so that is the beauty of football. We have spent a lot, sold a lot as well, still have room for him.

"Now there is room for him and he can show his qualities, still room for him to show that as well in the upcoming game, he will be on the bench as well."

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