Slot Says Liverpool “Will Try to Improve the Squad Wherever Possible”
New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot talked about the lack of signings so far this summer and wanting to get a good look at his squad.
Liverpool touched down in Pittsburgh this week ahead of their 2024 United States pre-season tour, the first following the departure of Jürgen Klopp and arrival of new head coach Arne Slot. And for the first time on the tour, Slot today spoke to the press.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, one of the first things anyone wanted to know about was transfer business, with Liverpool and new sporting director Richard Hughes yet to make a first team signing and the start of the 2024-25 season now less than a month away.
“The first aim is to work with the players we have,” Slot said when asked about the lack of transfer activity so far this summer. “The disadvantage is that many of them aren’t here yet. The positive is that gives us the time to take a good look at the youngsters.
“There is an important line at the club that young players must be able to come through, so standards are really high when it comes to bringing in new players, but of course Richard [Hughes] and I will be trying to improve the squad wherever it is possible.”
Key players being out on break following this summer’s Euros and Copa America is a key reason for delaying any significant business with a new manager and a relatively strong and settled squad with some minor worries but few truly glaring holes in it.
It’s also important Slot gets a closer look at some of the club’s young players, many of whom impressed in cameo appearances last year—if some are ready to take the next step now, the only way to know will be by giving them a fair chance at taking it.
Still, it’s a fine balance to try to get right for Slot and Hughes, and keeping up with Arsenal and Manchester City—not to mention keeping ahead of Spurs and Man United—will mean that before too much longer some signings and done deals will be needed.
Source: liverpooloffside.sbnation.com
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