Slot's frank admission on Liverpool early season form – 'This is not an excuse'

Arne Slot insists he is pleased with Liverpool's winning form even if their performances aren't setting the world alight, which he has partly put down to their gruelling fixture schedule

Liverpool boss Arne Slot admits there is "still room for improvement" despite his side's perfect start to the season. But he concedes the gruelling schedule of games means his team will not be at their best every time they play.

Their latest victory came in the Merseyside victory with the Reds securing a 2-1 win over Everton at Anfield. That came just days after they produced a stoppage-time winner to see off Atletico Madrid in their opening Champions League encounter.

Slot's side have continued to come up with late goals – scoring in the latter stages to down the likes of Bournemouth, Newcastle and Burnley.

The Dutchman continues to be impressed with how his side can back up game after game despite the limited rest, but insists it is "not an excuse" if performances aren't up to scratch.

Ahead of Liverpool's visit from Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night, Slot wrote in his programme notes: "In terms of the game itself, we go into it on the back of a victory over our neighbours Everton in the Merseyside derby.

"That win maintained a start to the season which has definitely been promising, even though we know there is still room for improvement.

"This victory gave me a great deal of pleasure, not only because it came in a derby, but mainly because it followed a demanding schedule of Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday fixtures.

"Inevitably, our energy levels weren't the same at the end of such a testing week as they were at the start.

"I need to stress once again this is not an excuse. Firstly, we do not need one because we won the game, and secondly it is an explanation worth reiterating given the demands placed on our players. The way they faced up to this challenge showed such a strong collective mentality, and winning such a tough fixture is a huge credit to them.”

Slot has already hinted at notable changes to his team to face the Saints, who were relegated from the top flight last term.

Alexander Isak could get minutes from the start, and the Swede is poised to play a pivotal role going forward as he increases his match sharpness after an interrupted pre-season.

Liverpool's next league assignment sees them head to high-flying Crystal Palace on Saturday, and Isak is expected to feature at Selhurst Park.

A week today, the Reds will also be on the road but in Turkey to face Galatasaray in the Champions League.

Throughout the course of 16 days in September, Liverpool will have played six games across three different competitions, highlighting just how intense a period it is for Slot's men.