Arne Slot has challenged his side to be “much better than we were”, as Liverpool take on Newcastle at St James’ Park on Monday following their opening day win over Bournemouth.
New signing Hugo Ekitike was on the scoresheet as Arne Slot’s Reds knocked four past Bournemouth to get their title defence off to a perfect start, with the reigning champions looking to begin their campaign with back-to-back victories.
Liverpool, who have made seven summer acquisitions, including record signing Florian Wirtz, head to St James’ Park having ignited the Alexander Isak transfer saga following a reported £110m bid.
Monday’s game, the Magpies' first Premier League home match of the campaign, is set to be a raucous occasion with no love lost between the two clubs this summer.
Ahead of the eagerly anticipated showdown between last season’s EFL Cup finalists, Arne Slot was quizzed about Liverpool’s pursuit of Isak: "He scored against us in the League Cup final, and he scored against us in the away game [last season].
"So yeah, if they have him, he's a big, big, big threat, but like any other team in the Premier League, if one is injured or not there, it's not like the manager has to look at his bench and say, 'now I have no one to play anymore'.
Commenting on the fierce atmosphere that awaits his side, Slot said: The atmosphere was amazing last year [at St James' Park], and the intensity levels of their players were amazing, and there were no talks then. They fully deserved to win the League Cup final from us.
"What I do know is that we need to be much better than we were. In the end of the season, it was harder and harder for us to win our game. I think we had to rely a few times on our set-pieces back then as well."
The_Alpha13
0
Slot is the real problem make your line up on merit not on the face and stop deploying sobo in the right wing when there is enough cover, every wing has a great cover then why using midfield as defenders?
you just watch games, you know nothing of what takes place off the pitch? szobo was not the weak link today, in fact he did a phenomenal job. konate playing shitty football atm. dont know what's up with him but I hope he bounces back.
mibdlpsz
0
I don't see Liverpool leaving Saint James' park with any point tonight.
today we leave with points
mibdlpsz
0
windor will close soon..
mibdlpsz
0
please bring isak but would be bench if isak agree the deal....Liverpool keep it we have solve it
Sikeknosuz
0
Slot is the real problem make your line up on merit not on the face and stop deploying sobo in the right wing when there is enough cover, every wing has a great cover then why using midfield as defenders?
mukbcdeils
0
I don't see Liverpool leaving Saint James' park with any point tonight.
now what's the results
ticabdinsu
1
we need Marc Guehi and another proven striker. either lookman or isak. now now. before the window closes. so at least the next two years we dont have to buy any players
mitdeimpu
0
I don't see Liverpool leaving Saint James' park with any point tonight.
1-0
Renblmrty
0
I don't see Liverpool leaving Saint James' park with any point tonight.
are u seeing now
Wimabinou
0
mosaalax
Hadabdikpr
1
isak
Wamiklmsty
1
Does he realize he’s playing Newcastle? A team that hasn’t scored a league goal since May 11. Why should that change today?
noazlan
0
Typo on the headline, admin please do not sleep
raeaostyz
0
Ryan will not be playing he's on barn these is last match for him to sit out
No, he is playing against the toons.
Jidcdeiloy
0
I don't see Liverpool leaving Saint James' park with any point tonight.
Tedimpuyz
1
Today is the isak derby the winning team takes isak Good luck Liverpool
Wueiklos
0
If Liverpool can keep a clean sheet here then they will walk away with all 3pts
Musuarez
0
it's a must win if we must compete
Cazbinsty
0
come on Liverpool isak
maddeilmry
1
Come on liverpool 💪
my-blood-is-red
0
off coarse you are right but maybe let's see today when Liverpool is having Ryan gravy in midfield...
Ryan will not be playing he's on barn these is last match for him to sit out
kmuguna
0
I think there is no problem with the starting 11 but the problem is with the substitute
we are reading from the same chapter pal
ahtn
0
keep doing nonsense substitutions you will be humiliated. Tell your attackers that they should help midfielders during defence... when the ball drops at the middle we should be there...
off coarse you are right but maybe let's see today when Liverpool is having Ryan gravy in midfield...
ahtn
0
To be better than we were Mr slot, the buck stops with you. Be careful how you choose the starting XI
I think there is no problem with the starting 11 but the problem is with the substitute
Chrismaris1
2
keep doing nonsense substitutions you will be humiliated. Tell your attackers that they should help midfielders during defence... when the ball drops at the middle we should be there...
kmuguna
2
To be better than we were Mr slot, the buck stops with you. Be careful how you choose the starting XI