Ahead Of Merseyside Derby, Arne Slot Continues To Emphasize Performance Improvements Even Though It Has Not Been Defeated

Arne Slot wants Liverpool to improve so that it is not easy to concede (Instagram/@liverpoolfc).

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot has asked his team to improve even though it is unbeaten and has never been left behind in a single game this season.

The Reds are currently at the top of the Premier League standings, having won all four league games so far. They also started their Champions League campaign with a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid.

However, all their victories this season were won with a winning goal after the 83rd minute. Three of the five matches, they won after losing 2-0.

Therefore, Arne Slot highlighted how his troops often failed to maintain a far-reaching advantage. He believes his players still have areas that need to be improved.

"We've only played five games, so it's hard to see a long-term pattern. Against Bournemouth, we played too openly. We also lost Ryan [Gravenberch] in midfield so they scored two goals back."

"Atletico didn't score two goals in that transition, so you can't compare it."

"It's not ideal for us to have a three-goal lead and concede. So, we need to improve, like many other things we need to improve."

"However, the positive thing is that if we feel the urgency again, we are able to score goals. This is clearly something we are talking about."

"You can run out of energy or energy at the end of the season if you mentally and physically have to fight until the end of the game all the time."

"So, constantly doing this is not a good idea. If we need it, I still hope we can do it," he said at a press conference on Friday, September 19, 2025, local time.

Liverpool will return to compete in the Premier League on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 18.30 WIB, when they host Everton at the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.

With midfielder Curtis Jones now back in training, Arne Slot has a squad fully fit to choose from.

However, the Dutchman did not want to comment on whether he would play striker Alexander Isak after his debut against Atletico Madrid in the middle of this week.

He will also consider (playing both) up front with his newly recruited team-mate this summer, Hugo Ekitike.

"All I know is Alex feels better than before after 60 minutes of playing. Let's see how his recovery is today, then we'll think about the line-up."

"I consider (playing both) because there are many things to consider. It depends on how well their performance is."

"If both are in their best form, the considerations are bigger, but it's also clear we have a 4-3-3 structure, playing with three midfielders."

"However, we also end quite often with two number 9 players. Hugo can also play on the left, in contrast to Cody (Gakpo) and Rio (Ngumoha)."

"That's the advantage of our squad. We have many choices, but most importantly, they all have to stay fit."

"If something is not fit, we may have to play both in a 4-4-2 formation. It all depends on the performance and number of players available."

"Maybe everything is fit now and I can choose between 21 players, that's natural. The number is not too much," said Arne Slot.