Liverpool manager Arne Slot held a news conference ahead of his team's Champions League match against Qarabag, confirming injuries to key defenders Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate. He expects only Virgil van Dijk to be available at centre-back, potentially requiring a midfielder to fill in. Slot also shared an 'unpopular opinion' that last season's early Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain aided their Premier League title win by allowing more recovery time.
In his pre-match news conference, Liverpool manager Arne Slot provided updates on the team's defensive woes as they prepare for Wednesday's Champions League league-phase encounter with Qarabag. Slot confirmed that defenders Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate will miss the game, leaving Virgil van Dijk as the sole available centre-back. 'For sure at centre-back tomorrow there will not be a centre-back. I can only play a midfielder as there are no centre-back available apart from Virgil [Van Dijk],' Slot said, praising Van Dijk's reliability at age 33.
Gomez is expected to return 'in a relatively short time,' according to Slot, who dismissed suggestions that the injury would alter transfer plans. Konate, absent due to the recent loss of his father, is also hoped to rejoin soon but not for this fixture. Left-back Andy Robertson, linked with a move to Tottenham, is fit and part of the squad, with Slot stating, 'I expect him to stay.'
Addressing squad depth concerns amid Liverpool's sixth-place standing in the Premier League—14 points behind leaders Arsenal—Slot offered a candid view on last season's success. He suggested their Premier League title, a record-equalling 20th, was partly enabled by an early Champions League knockout by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. 'Maybe the reason we won the league last season is we had to play Paris St-Germain in the last 16. They beat us and we had a week to prepare for games,' Slot remarked, noting that the dual competitions have led to dropped points this term, including after recent Champions League matches.
Slot emphasised the need for improvement in both attacking and defensive 'boxes' to salvage the season. 'If we can improve in both boxes we can do very special things this season. If we only improve in one it will be really difficult to win something,' he said. A victory over Qarabag would secure Liverpool's top-eight finish in the Champions League standings, advancing them directly to the knockout stage. Despite external criticism, Slot expressed respect for his players' resilience amid injuries and a demanding schedule.
