“I’ve Said it Many Times” – Arne Slot on Liverpool’s Clash with Spurs and January Transfer Stance | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Tactical Approach as Liverpool Aim to Overturn Tottenham Deficit

Liverpool face a crucial Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield, with Arne Slot’s side looking to overcome a 1-0 deficit from the first leg in North London. The Dutchman addressed the media ahead of the tie, outlining his tactical philosophy, squad decisions, and the challenge posed by Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs.

Liverpool’s January Transfer Stance and Squad Depth

Slot has remained consistent in his belief that Liverpool already possess a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. While injuries to key players such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alisson Becker, and Diogo Jota had raised concerns earlier in the season, the Dutchman reiterated his satisfaction with the available options.

“I’ve said it many times, we have a very good squad,” he explained. “If you look at the league table, the players have shown that the trust we have in them was correct. Apart from Trent now maybe for a few days, we don’t have many injuries, not long-term injuries, in moments that the window is open.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool have largely avoided making last-minute moves in the transfer market unless a clear opportunity presents itself, as seen when they recruited a backup goalkeeper earlier in the season. Slot’s measured approach suggests faith in his players, despite speculation surrounding potential reinforcements.

Mentality and Tactical Preparation for Tottenham Showdown

Despite trailing after the first leg, Slot is adamant that Liverpool’s approach does not change based on the scoreline. His philosophy remains clear: every game in a Liverpool shirt demands a winning mentality.

“I don’t think I have to prepare them differently than in any other game,” he insisted. “Because from now until the end of the season, if you play in this shirt, you need to win the game. That’s for tomorrow, for Sunday, for Wednesday afterwards. Even if we go 1-0 down in the league or any tournament, we try and want to win the game.”

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool’s first-leg defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a frustrating one, with the game decided in the dying moments after they had battled with ten men. However, Slot remains confident that his side can improve on that performance at Anfield.

Tactical Adjustments and Potential Tottenham Challenges

The unusual 29-day gap between the two legs means that both sides may look significantly different from their initial meeting. Tottenham have since bolstered their squad in the January transfer window and could be further strengthened if key defender Micky van de Ven returns to fitness.

“Not that it matters a lot, but if you play one week later, then normally you face exactly the same team again,” Slot observed. “Now, with all the injuries Tottenham had last time we played them, it would have been a bit more in our advantage if we played them one week later. But indeed, they did bring in three players in the transfer window.”

Photo: IMAGO

While Spurs’ squad might look different, Slot is more concerned with Liverpool’s ability to impose their own game, acknowledging that they must be better than in the first leg.

The Role of Liverpool’s No.9 and Squad Selection Decisions

Much discussion has centred on Liverpool’s centre-forward role, particularly whether their No.9 should function primarily as a goalscorer or a facilitator. Slot believes that the ideal forward does both, highlighting the importance of movement and interplay in his system.

“I will be happy if that player becomes both,” he stated. “‘Facilitator’—nice word, I didn’t know that one yet—and scoring goals himself, that is what we want to achieve in the end.”

He pointed to Cody Gakpo’s penalty against Bournemouth as an example of intelligent movement from Luis Díaz creating space without touching the ball. In Slot’s system, goals must come from a variety of positions, including midfield and set-pieces.

When it comes to his selection decisions, particularly in goal, Slot remains tight-lipped.

“I know, but the two goalkeepers don’t know yet,” he admitted when asked whether Alisson or Caoimhin Kelleher would start. “Afterwards, I’m going to inform the goalkeepers which decision I have made.”

Frustration Over Premier League Squad Rules

One of Slot’s biggest frustrations since arriving in England has been the Premier League’s restrictions on matchday squad sizes. Despite the demanding schedule faced by clubs competing on multiple fronts, only 20 players can be named in a squad, compared to 23 in UEFA competitions.

“That is one of the only things I don’t understand here in England,” he vented. “We play the most games, especially teams like Aston Villa, us, Arsenal, Chelsea—all the ones playing in Europe—and we have the League Cup, the FA Cup. So, we play so many games, yet we are only allowed to take 20 players to the game.”

His argument is not just about matchday squad depth but maintaining morale in a squad where players work tirelessly only to be left out entirely on matchdays.

Liverpool’s Path to Wembley

Slot’s Liverpool have shown resilience in cup competitions this season, and overturning the 1-0 deficit against Tottenham will require both tactical discipline and the usual Anfield intensity. While Spurs present a formidable challenge, Slot remains confident that his side can deliver when it matters most.

With a place at Wembley at stake, Liverpool will need their attacking players to step up, while defensive solidity remains crucial against Postecoglou’s dynamic attacking unit. Anfield has witnessed many memorable European and domestic cup nights, and Liverpool will hope to add another to the list as they seek to book their place in the Carabao Cup final.