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Liverpool manager Arne Slot was full of praise for his side after they edged past Everton with a 2-1 victory at Anfield. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike gave the Reds control early on before Idrissa Gana Gueye’s second-half strike set up a tense finish.
Speaking after the 247th competitive Merseyside derby, Slot discussed his team’s mentality, the importance of managing a packed schedule, Gravenberch’s development, and the growing role of Hugo Ekitike. Here are the key takeaways from his press conference.
On the Importance of Mentality
Arne Slot admitted that his team had to dig deep in a different way compared to recent games. Playing three matches in less than a week, including a Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid, had taken its toll.
“We needed mentality today in a different fashion than the few times before. If you played your third game in less than seven days, against your rivals, then you know the second half could be very tough,” he explained.
The Dutchman said the first-half display was “unbelievable” with Liverpool in full flow, but the fatigue of such a heavy schedule showed after the break. Still, he praised his side for refusing to let their energy levels drop below what was needed to get the job done.
Navigating a Packed Schedule
The Liverpool boss stressed the importance of having depth in the squad to handle the intensity of European and domestic football. With players like Alexander Isak only recently returning from long layoffs and Mac Allister missing chunks of training, rotation has been vital.
“This is also the reason why teams like us, Chelsea, all the ones playing in Europe need a squad like this,” Slot said. “The good thing is I do have the options to rotate throughout the week.”
He pointed out that only Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Mo Salah, Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai had been asked to play three full matches in seven days, all of them used to such intensity.
When asked about the upcoming clash with Southampton, Arne Slot was clear that those same players would not be starting. “I can tell you now you won’t be seeing them on Tuesday,” he added with a smile.
On Ryan Gravenberch’s Consistency
Gravenberch’s performance against Everton was the highlight of the afternoon, combining a clinical finish for the opener with a clever assist for Ekitike’s goal. Arne Slot was quick to point out that his influence goes far beyond the attacking moments.
“I think he has taken the spotlight because of the goals and assists, but I also see how much he runs off the ball. He helps Conor Bradley when he is in a two-v-one, the same for Szoboszlai. That’s why Mo Salah can stay further forward and we get the best out of him,” Arne Slot explained.
He also suggested Gravenberch’s role is part of Liverpool’s ongoing evolution. Rather than “freedom,” the Dutchman said it was about recognising moments when Gravenberch can join the attack, depending on how opponents press.
Arne Slot On Ekitike’s Impact
Hugo Ekitike marked his derby debut with a goal that underlined his sharpness and composure. Arne Slot praised the French striker but made it clear he is still adapting to Liverpool’s style of play.
“Of course I have been impressed but we knew what we brought in,” Arne Slot said. “We have two No.9s of excellent quality. Hugo is definitely not ready to play three times 90 minutes in this pace, in the way we play. But to have two now is really necessary and every top Premier League team has that.”
The Liverpool manager described his side’s high-intensity approach and constant pressing as a demanding system, one that Ekitike is growing into. The derby goal was a sign of his quality, and Slot is confident he will only get better.
Game Management and Lessons Learned
One of Arne Slot’s main messages was about controlling key moments in matches. He pointed to previous games, including Bournemouth, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid, where lapses in concentration shifted momentum against his side.
“We have to understand a moment can change a game, no matter how well you play,” he said. “This is where we can improve a little bit, but we managed the game in general really well.”
He noted that while Everton’s goal made the match nervy, Liverpool actually had the better chances to add a third rather than the visitors creating opportunities for an equaliser.
First Half Brilliance, Second Half Grit
Arne Slot made no secret of his admiration for the first-half performance, where Liverpool played with fluency and precision. But he also acknowledged that the physical toll of the schedule shaped the second half.
“First half it was a joy to watch. Second half, you could see it was more difficult because of Everton, but also because we ran a bit out of energy,” he admitted.
The manager explained that preparation between matches had been minimal, with little time for tactical adjustments beyond simple training exercises. Still, he credited his players for taking up the right positions and exploiting Everton’s setup in the opening 45 minutes.
Looking Ahead
Arne Slot was clear that while he was delighted with the result, improvement is still required. The reminder about “moments” changing games is something he wants his players to address, particularly in tight contests where lapses can be costly.
He also hinted at the need for continued rotation in the weeks ahead, with Liverpool facing a relentless schedule across competitions. For him, the Merseyside derby win was both a sign of progress and a lesson in resilience.
Conclusion
Arne Slot’s reaction summed up a manager who knows his team is performing at a high level but is determined not to let standards slip. The victory over Everton showed the attacking spark of Gravenberch and Ekitike, the leadership of Van Dijk, and the work rate of Salah and Szoboszlai.
Yet Slot’s emphasis was on mentality and managing the demands of elite football. Liverpool may not have been perfect, but they showed once again they have the strength to find different ways to win. For supporters, it is another encouraging sign that this squad is built not just to defend their Premier League crown but to compete on all fronts.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com