Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced the media ahead of a huge clash with Manchester United which was posted on Liverpool’s official YouTube channel, addressing key injury concerns and the bigger picture in the race for a strong league finish. With pressure building and expectations high, his comments offered clarity on squad fitness, team performance, and what is at stake in the final stretch of the season.
Softfootball understands that this fixture is not just about rivalry but also about positioning. Liverpool are pushing to secure a Champions League place, while Manchester United continue to show improvement under their current setup. That tension adds weight to every word from Slot as he updates fans on important players like Mohamed Salah and Alisson Becker.
Slot began by giving an update on Salah’s injury, offering some positive news about a possible return before the season ends:
As we know from Mo, he’s always working incredibly hard during the season when he’s fit, but definitely also when he’s injured to be back as soon as possible and that’s what he trying now as well. And usually he’s earlier fit than other players after a minor injury because he has a minor injury. So we expect him indeed to be back in the final part of the season but not for Sunday.
He also admitted there is relief that Salah’s injury is not serious, especially considering what the player means to the club and fans:
Yeah. It’s a big relief that his injury is minor so that he’s able to play for us that he’s able to play at the World Cup and if there’s any time a player that deserves to get a big send off, it’s definitely Mo.
Attention then turned to Alisson, with Slot confirming the goalkeeper is close but not yet ready to return fully:
Alli hasn’t trained with us yet. Very close to train with us. So I have to hear today from the medical staff if he’s able to train today or tomorrow or otherwise start of next week. So he’s very close but we don’t want to take any risk because that’s never what you do with a player.
He also explained why goalkeepers can sometimes return quicker than outfield players:
I think there’s a difference between a goalkeeper and a player. If a player hasn’t trained for a few weeks, players need to run much more than goalkeepers do. I don’t think the issue is that a player forgot how to play football, it’s usually that the fitness levels are not at the level needed for the intensity of the Premier League.
Looking ahead to the match itself, Slot made it clear that every game now carries huge importance:
I think every game you play has influence on your league position. It’s not only when you play Man United, it’s in every week. But we are aware it’s a very big game, not only because we play Man United but also to qualify for Champions League and to get the highest possible position in the league table. We wanted to win the league, that’s not possible, so we have to finish as high as possible.
He also stressed how important Champions League qualification is for the club:
We know how important it is to qualify for Champions League for any club but definitely for our club. It’s an important step to make.
Slot also praised the progress of Manchester United, highlighting how their squad quality is now matching their league position:
Their players are much better than the league position showed last season. Another transfer window added players and now we see how good they are. Under Michael Carrick they have become more consistent in their results.
There was also discussion about performance levels, with Slot admitting that despite recent wins, the team can still improve:
No, I think we can be on a much higher level than we are now. If you look at the results, it’s three wins out of three games, but performance wise it hasn’t been our best. This team is capable of much more and it would help if everyone was available because the amount of players we are missing is very extreme.
On individual development, Curtis Jones was praised for adapting to a new role:
Very well. Not perfect, which is normal, but very well. He hardly has played in that position throughout his career and that he does it the way he does is a big compliment. He shows great personality, never afraid to play, never afraid to take risk, and he’s very comfortable on the ball.
Away from the pitch, there are growing conversations around Curtis Jones and what lies ahead for him. With changes in roles and increased competition in the squad, there are quiet discussions about his long term place at Liverpool. While nothing is confirmed, situations like this often bring speculation about whether a player could consider a move if opportunities become limited.
In contrast, Manchester United are making moves to secure their future, with one of their brightest young talents, Kobbie Mainoo, reportedly set to commit his future to the club with a long term agreement. This reflects United’s intent to build stability and reward emerging stars, something that adds another layer to the rivalry between the two sides.
Fans online have reacted with mixed emotions. Many are encouraged by the update on Salah and hopeful he returns before the season ends. Others remain concerned about injuries piling up at a crucial time, especially with important matches still to play. There is also growing debate about Liverpool’s performances, with some supporters agreeing with Slot that results have been better than the actual displays.
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Overall, the mood around Liverpool is cautious but hopeful. Key players are close to returning, the team is still winning games, and Champions League qualification remains within reach. The upcoming clash with Manchester United will be another big test, not just of quality but of consistency and belief as the season heads toward its conclusion.
