Arne Slot believes Liverpool players will be driven for ‘extraordinary’ trip to Everton

This Sunday, Liverpool will make their first visit to Everton’s new stadium, with the Toffees enjoying a strong run of form while the Reds have just faced elimination from the Champions League at the hands of PSG.

In a preview this morning, Slot remarked: “It’s always a uniquely significant match, regardless of whether it’s the 60th or the first at a new ground – this one adds even more to the occasion if that’s possible.”

“They’re in an excellent position right now, and this definitely adds an extra dimension to the game. No matter what, it’s a special encounter for them, but it’s equally important for us.”

With Liverpool sitting fifth in the Premier League, just three points shy of the top four, Slot acknowledges the imperative of avoiding any “slip-ups” on Sunday.

“We aimed to avoid losses to (Manchester) City and PSG. We always go into a match aiming for that,” Slot stated. “It feels a bit like a mini-league at the moment. Every team is focused on those around them. Our concentration is firmly on the upcoming match against Everton, not Arsenal.”

“Timing is crucial in football. We’ve had a handful of defeats following European fixtures and while away from home, particularly on early Saturday matches after Wednesday, it’s a challenge for any team. The fortunate aspect for us is that we played on Tuesday and now have until Sunday for this match.”

Recovery from PSG

Liverpool faced defeats both home and away against PSG, losing their Champions League quarter-final 4-0 on aggregate. However, Slot is confident that his players have mentally bounced back from this setback.

He noted: “The players displayed significant character against PSG. Competing effectively against them is incredibly challenging, especially in three matches over seven days. Many of my players set physical output records, which highlights their strength and readiness.”

“That intensity won’t change on Sunday. The crowd at Everton didn’t faze me last season; it was more the referee’s decisions. I believe it’s the fans who create the atmosphere, not just the stadium itself. Our fans will be just as vocal as theirs.”

Regarding the stamina exhibited on Tuesday, Slot added: “I don’t envision that affecting us negatively. It didn’t against Fulham, though I must consider the Anfield atmosphere. The fans play a significant role if we want to match the level of aggression we had against PSG. We took substantial risks in Paris, but we managed to keep them at bay at Anfield.”

Setback for Ekitike

Slot also addressed the injury to Hugo Ekitike, whose Achilles issue is likely to sideline him for up to nine months, having sustained the injury during the clash with PSG at Anfield.

He shared: “He has yet to undergo surgery. It’s heartbreaking for him to arrive at a new club and make such an impact only to face this setback. Playing against your former team in a Champions League quarter-final was a significant moment for him, especially with opportunities ahead this summer.”

“He’s not the first player to encounter this early in their career, and there are numerous examples of others returning even stronger.”

Summer Transfers

In response to midweek reports suggesting that Liverpool may be compelled to sell key players to finance purchases this summer, Slot acknowledged the need for some financial balancing concerning Profit and Sustainability regulations.

With potential departures including Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson, finding suitable replacements is essential. Slot explained: “Last year, we made several signings, which led to significant trading. Over four windows, we had a net spend of £150 million. That reflects the nature of our club. We recognise that we will need to replace at least two players, but Kostas (Tsimikas) is set to return.”

“Our immediate goal is to evaluate our options regarding Mo’s position, whether we seek a direct replacement or explore alternatives. At this point, it seems unlikely that many players will leave. However, there’s also Ibou’s (Konate) contract status to consider.”