Arne Slot has hit back at Liverpool fans’ moans about a lack of transfer activity by insisting he has a sky-high standard for signing new players – and the squad he has inherited is good enough to achieve their targets.
The new Liverpool head coach was talking in Pittsburgh ahead of leg one of a three-stop tour of the United States, where they face Real Betis on Friday evening, and insisted he will not make summer signings for the sake of it.
Asked if the reason they have not bolstered their squad yet, Slot said: ‘Me wanting to assess (the current group), which is difficult because most of them aren’t here. Second, I've inherited a team which is really good so it's not so easy to find players of the same standard or even higher.
‘Richard (Hughes, sporting director), more than me, is working really hard on that and keeps me updated. We already have a good team I am happy with but it would be a surprise for all of us if we don't bring any players in.’
Liverpool are without 11 senior players in the States, with the likes of Alisson, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Darwin Nunez and Alexis Mac Allister all on holiday after exerting tournaments for their countries at the European Championship or Copa America.
Diogo Jota was expected to land in Pittsburgh on Thursday, while Ryan Gravenberch and Ibrahima Konate will join up with the squad in Philadelphia next week. Andy Robertson is on the tour but will not play in any of the three matches due to a minor ankle injury.
The Scotsman is following an individual programme and will be fit for the Premier League opening weekend, where Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Ipswich. As a vice-captain, he is still playing a pivotal role on the tour as a sounding board for younger players.
Slot added: ‘Many things will stay the same when it comes to style with every manager having their own ideas. Players work really hard, we’re looking forward to the game to see if we can bring some positives to the game.
‘I don’t think any player has surprised me. Many young players have joined us and a few have surprised me… in a positive way of course. But if your next question is going to be “who are they?” then you won’t get the answer!’
Liverpool youngster Luke Chambers is on the tour but is expected to join League One side Wigan on loan after the trip. The 19-year-old, who was at the Latics in the latter half of last season, snubbed Championship interest to rejoin Shaun Maloney’s side.
Muhdinstuy
0
This is the reason why klopp left. I can’t imagine he’s saying we have a better team that doesn’t need reinforcement
Nizwest
0
we can't believe at FSG right now we have to search who can buy liverpool fc
FSG OUT!
Nizwest
0
puppet 🙄 the squad is thin
Ahokson
0
the coming back of Edward with more power take Liverpool back to where the come from before Klopp Liverpool will not finish top 4 this season and next season and more to come with Edward being in charge of everyrhing
zopcdlrs
0
#FSGOUT
LiverpoolJFT97
1
Look here plz stop blaming the coach liverpool are know to just be fuckin stingy and thats it, if we get players thats eager to come to us for about 40 or 50 mil we wana negotiate to pay 20mil then within few days that player signs for a other club for 40mil yeah i get we not gona be held ransom by players and agents but my word just pay the damn money if u want the guy
denadintuz
0
we can't believe at FSG right now we have to search who can buy liverpool fc
I agree, FSG no more capable in building LFC to next level... It's time to look for new owner..
hecbekmnpz
0
lam a red and. l'm also disgruntled that we are not reinforcing our squad.The fault is not with the owners. From my understanding the money is available. It's downtown the coach , it's either he hasn't found the type of players that suits his system or he is failing to convince them or he faith in the current squad or both.
rutiklrtu
0
i read recently that funds was made available for players but no figures was released even then..Then there was this talk from years ago that FSG will always prioritise his other ventures back home, especially that MLB team, Boston i think. How true that is, i dont know but i wont be surprised if it is
he wanted to buy a club two weeks ago in Germany instead of investing in the current club cause our friends are signing we still need alot of changes nd backups in our current squad
Hafiz3011
0
I agree with you buddy nd I think FSG he has failed the club he should just sell it to the investor who are really serious in competition
i read recently that funds was made available for players but no figures was released even then..Then there was this talk from years ago that FSG will always prioritise his other ventures back home, especially that MLB team, Boston i think. How true that is, i dont know but i wont be surprised if it is
rutiklrtu
1
We never know what's behind the scenes but what we do know is how it is in the EPL. Slot is new to this league and if he believes his current squad, without adequate back ups is good enough to achieve their target, then his target is either low or he is in for a rude awakening once the season kicks off and his players start falling like flies. Gomez and Konate do not have a good injury record. Robbo and Tsimi too in recent years have rotated time on the recovery bed. Jones, Szobo was also out for a number of games last time out. With Matip and Thiago out, our senior players have dwindled. Our constant links to wingers though warranted, is not a necessity yet with Salah having a year more at least, i doubt they'll sell him and if talks are in place for a renewal, they have time to find cover. But CB, a LB and another no 6 should take priority i think and there is nothing in the winds there at the moment on these...
I agree with you buddy nd I think FSG he has failed the club he should just sell it to the investor who are really serious in competition
vjIndia
1
I think slot is taking a big risk here by not getting into any transfers. I like his confidence and believe on the current squad and hoping he really succeeds in his plan. But incase the results don't go out his way he must be ready to face the heavy criticism from the fans nd who knows he might not be getting another chance to carry forward the club.
tuyaciknry
1
we can't believe at FSG right now we have to search who can buy liverpool fc
tabeopsu
2
when over transfer season comes it's only Liverpool which is fans headache the owners go and rest if you don't want business competition buy players at least 2-3 for regforcement
Riwbdelmnu
0
fsg cheapskate.. liverpool will never be mega club.
Petceiklrs
0
we need new faces please
Sohaimnr
2
This FSG should sell out the club they can't do anything good
Hafiz3011
2
We never know what's behind the scenes but what we do know is how it is in the EPL. Slot is new to this league and if he believes his current squad, without adequate back ups is good enough to achieve their target, then his target is either low or he is in for a rude awakening once the season kicks off and his players start falling like flies. Gomez and Konate do not have a good injury record. Robbo and Tsimi too in recent years have rotated time on the recovery bed. Jones, Szobo was also out for a number of games last time out. With Matip and Thiago out, our senior players have dwindled. Our constant links to wingers though warranted, is not a necessity yet with Salah having a year more at least, i doubt they'll sell him and if talks are in place for a renewal, they have time to find cover. But CB, a LB and another no 6 should take priority i think and there is nothing in the winds there at the moment on these...
Torres94
2
Klopp is one of the best managers in the world and only managed to win a Carabao Cup with that squad and then you Slot who thinks he can go one better with the same squad, are you trying to defend the stingy management?
citcekos
2
I am so mad at Liverpool owners