Slot outlines importance of strong start at Forest | OneFootball

Arne Slot has emphasised the importance of a strong start when Liverpool take on Nottingham Forest this week.

Liverpool make the trip to high-flying Forest with just six points separating the sides in the Premier League table.

The Reds lead the title race but Forest have emerged as shock contenders this season. Nuno Espirito’s side are third and are the only team to have beaten Liverpool in the Premier League this season.

Forest’s success has been built on quick-fire starts and a strong defensive record. The Tricky Trees have opened the scoring in 15 of their 20 league games this season – more than any other team in the Premier League.

Ahead of what is expected to be a raucous atmosphere at the City Ground, Slot called on Liverpool to be ready from the first whistle.

“The opening of a game is always very important, especially in an away game. I expect the atmosphere [at Nottingham Forest] to be fired up from the start so it makes it even more important to not let them get going any more,” he said at his pre-match press conference.

“They are a team that hardly concede goals. They don’t take many risks in their build-up play so when they lose the ball they have many players behind the ball and they defend with 11 players.”

Slot provided an update on the fitness of his side ahead of the game, having rested several senior players for the FA Cup win over Accrington. Diogo Jota featured against the fourth-tier side, as he steps up his fitness after injury. The Dutchman said Jota is now ready for 90 minutes in the Premier League.

“You saw the way we built up his minutes. Now he’s ready to play 90. It’s nice to have him available, so hopefully it stays like this. He’s a hard-worker. He tries to become a better player every single day.

“He’s a player who is good in both parts. He’s a threat when attacking and he works really hard. Jota is an experienced player, which is one reason why he wore the armband. I think he served the club the longest from the players on the pitch. Let’s hope he stays fit.”

Read – Liverpool boss Slot insists Nottingham Forest are title contenders

See more – FA Cup Awards: Whittaker winner stings Bees, Trent’s thumper

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