Arne Slot confirms Alexander Isak plan ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Chelsea | OneFootball

Slot Focuses on Liverpool Growth Ahead of Chelsea Test

Arne Slot faced the media at the AXA Training Centre as Liverpool prepared for a demanding Premier League trip to Chelsea. The manager addressed fitness concerns, tactical adjustments and the integration of Alexander Isak into his evolving side.

Isak’s Adjustment to Liverpool

Slot was clear about the challenges Alexander Isak has faced since joining Liverpool.

“I said to him when he started that the difficult thing will be you will have your appearances, like you just said, but if you add the minutes together, [he] probably only had two or three 90-minute games. That is what we inherited from the situation of him not being with the team in Newcastle and we knew this before, so it’s not an excuse. He already scored a goal, he gets fitter and fitter, but the main thing is he adjusts to his teammates and the teammates adjust to him.”

Slot emphasised that time on the pitch is vital for Isak’s development, pointing to moments of promise already visible in matches. He noted a clever counter movement against Crystal Palace that could have led to a one-on-one chance had the pass been spotted.

Photo: IMAGO

Building Chemistry Across the Squad

Liverpool’s manager recognised that forging relationships within the squad takes time. He highlighted how positional rotations for players such as Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Bradley and Dominik Szoboszlai have made it harder for his forward line to develop consistent patterns. For Slot, this fluidity is part of Liverpool’s progression, but it requires patience.

Set-Pieces and Premier League Realities

Last season, Liverpool enjoyed a decisive edge from dead-ball situations, scoring seven set-piece goals in the final stretch of the campaign. This term, the picture has changed.

“So, we play tomorrow [against] Chelsea, I think they’ve scored more than 50 per cent of their goals from set-pieces. So, this is the new reality in the Premier League and we were doing this really well [in the] second part of last season. This season, we have had many chances from set-pieces as well – unfortunately we didn’t score yet.”

Slot acknowledged Liverpool’s need to sharpen in this area, especially with Chelsea excelling at exploiting set-pieces. The challenge at Stamford Bridge may hinge on these fine margins.

Liverpool’s Direction Under Slot

The broader message from the Liverpool manager was one of steady evolution. With Isak adjusting, players learning new roles and set-pieces demanding renewed focus, Slot sees a team building foundations for consistency. The Chelsea clash provides another chance to measure progress, with Liverpool supporters eager to see momentum grow.