“Room for improvement” – Arne Slot sends a clear message to his Liverpool squad | OneFootball

Slot reflects in programme notes ahead of Carabao Cup tie

Arne Slot used his matchday column for Liverpool’s Carabao Cup clash with Southampton to balance emotion, perspective and ambition. His words, published in the official programme, spoke first to a moment of sadness before turning to footballing priorities.

Tribute to Matt Beard

The Liverpool head coach began by paying respects to Matt Beard, whose passing at the weekend has been felt deeply across the football community. “That Matt was a special person could not be clearer. As a manager, he was a significant figure within women’s football over many years. As a person, he was loved and admired by so many, both in and out of football,” wrote Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Beard’s two Women’s Super League titles during his first spell with Liverpool, followed by the promotion secured on his return, were highlighted by Slot as enduring achievements. “Before kick-off tonight, we will pay our respects to Matt as a club and show our appreciation for everything he did for us and for football as a whole,” he added, extending condolences to Beard’s family and colleagues.

Room for improvement despite strong start

Slot then turned his attention to matters on the pitch. Liverpool’s victory over Everton in the Merseyside derby maintained their perfect start to the season, but the head coach was careful to stress there is still “room for improvement”.

Photo: IMAGO

“This victory gave me a great deal of pleasure, not only because it came in a derby, but mainly because it followed a demanding schedule of Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday fixtures,” he explained. “I need to stress once again this is not an excuse. Firstly, we do not need one because we won the game, and secondly it is an explanation worth reiterating given the demands placed on our players.”

The Dutchman pointed to the collective mentality of his squad, praising how they responded to fatigue and fixture congestion to deliver three consecutive wins.

Notes on rotation and expectations

Inevitably, changes will come for this Carabao Cup tie. Slot confirmed as much in his programme notes. “Another impact of the schedule is that we will certainly be making a number of changes for tonight’s fixture,” he said. “At the time of writing, it is too early to say how many, but whatever the number, we will select a starting line-up that is more than ready to play against Southampton.”

The welcome extended to Will Still, his staff and the travelling Southampton supporters was typical of Slot’s approach. There was also recognition of the familiarity between the sides after three meetings last season, with the head coach emphasising that the difference in divisions will not affect Liverpool’s respect for their opponents.

Photo IMAGO

Carabao Cup intentions

Last season’s final defeat still lingers, and Slot used his notes to make clear Liverpool’s aim this time around. “Apart from the final, which unfortunately did not go our way, we enjoyed some really good moments in this competition last season. Our aim is to do the same this time around, and beginning this journey at Anfield, in front of our supporters, is something we will look to make the most of.”

The message was unmistakable. While squad rotation is inevitable, Liverpool’s intentions are to compete fully. For Slot, the Carabao Cup is not a distraction but another opportunity to measure progress and strengthen belief.