Image source: Liverpool fc
Liverpool’s 3-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Emirates FA Cup was more than just progression to the fifth round. It was a statement of growth, belief, and rising standards under Arne Slot.
After goals from Curtis Jones, Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah secured a comfortable win at Anfield, Slot faced the media with confidence and clarity. He praised individual performances, discussed leadership, addressed refereeing decisions, and gave insight into Liverpool’s long term vision. Here is everything he had to say following another impressive night in the FA Cup.
Slot Agrees With Salah’s Praise for Szoboszlai
Mohamed Salah recently described Dominik Szoboszlai as one of the best players in the world. Slot did not hesitate to back his forward’s view.
“I think there are a lot of very good to elite football players in the world, but I definitely agree with Mo that Dominik is one of them.”
It was a strong endorsement of a player who continues to grow in influence. Szoboszlai’s second half strike against Brighton was a reminder of his quality and confidence in big moments.
Szoboszlai’s Evolution Under the Liverpool Model
Slot spoke in detail about Szoboszlai’s development and the broader strategy behind Liverpool’s recruitment.
“When I said that a Liverpool midfielder needs to score goals, I maybe had to add that you need to be able to run a lot if you play in the midfield of Liverpool.”
He explained that goals are an essential part of the No.10 role, even if Szoboszlai has operated in multiple midfield positions this season.
“He is producing more and more goals. I think Dominik is a great example of the model we are using here at this club.”
Slot highlighted how Liverpool sign young talent from other leagues and give them time to improve.
“The player that we brought in was already good but where he is now, I think he is much better than where he was two-and-a-half years ago.”
He also pointed toward the future.
“Players like Hugo and Florian will be even better next year than they are already now, because they are all already very good players for us.”
It was a clear message. Development is central to Liverpool’s identity.
Salah’s Work Without the Ball Impresses the Most
Salah scored from the penalty spot and registered an assist, but Slot focused on something deeper.
“It’s very nice to have him on the scoresheet again and him having an assist. But I think what I like the most at the moment, that he’s scoring goals is something you can almost expect, but he also helps the team a lot defensively.”
Slot believes Liverpool have improved physically since the start of the campaign.
“That is where we struggled a lot in the beginning of the season. But now we’re able to do so, we see more and more the quality we have.”
Then came a bold and confident statement about the direction of the club.
“The future looks really bright for this club with these players.”
Curtis Jones Thrives in an Unfamiliar Role
Curtis Jones opened the scoring and operated at right back during the match. Slot was clearly pleased.
“Very well. Curtis is a very good player.”
He admitted competition in midfield has limited Jones’ minutes at times.
“If he would be playing in another position, he would have played much, much more.”
Slot praised the adaptability across the squad.
“Dominik has played so many different positions, Ryan played centre-back and now tonight Curtis had to play as a full-back and he did really well.”
The first goal symbolised that versatility.
“It was very pleasing to see that the first goal was an assist from the left full-back to the right full-back.”
That comment summed up the collective spirit Slot wants to see.
Frustration Over Ngumoha Decision
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Slot addressed Rio Ngumoha’s disallowed goal.
“That’s the only thing that was not different compared to all the other games we played, that there was a referee decision that was not in our favour.”
He stressed that Liverpool must rise above controversial moments.
“We need to make sure that if decisions go against you, that you’re still able to win.”
Slot was clear in his belief.
“Tonight, again, there was a decision that didn’t go in our favour which should have been different because he was onside.”
Still, the result softened the debate.
“We were still able to win 3-0 so now no-one talks about it.”
Honest Thoughts on VAR
With no VAR in operation for this FA Cup tie, Slot reflected on the experience.
“In general, I enjoy watching football without VAR because if you then score you’re like, ‘It’s a goal.’”
He referenced the earlier offside decision involving Cody Gakpo.
“They also explained to me that he wanted to know who scored, the moment he heard it was Cody he said then he’s offside, so a fair and good decision.”
Slot prefers a limited use of VAR.
“I like VAR only for the clear and obvious things.”
However, he admitted modern football has adapted to it.
“I think we’re now so used to VAR that I would prefer to have VAR during a game, to be honest.”
Can Szoboszlai Become Liverpool Captain?
Slot believes Szoboszlai has leadership qualities but still has room to grow.
“Yes, but he’s still young.”
He praised his example on the pitch.
“I think he has a lot of attributes already, especially when it comes to leading by example.”
But vocal leadership takes experience.
“There’s still a step to make in terms of leadership, being vocal, being a voice in the dressing room if I compare him to Virgil.”
He added:
“That would be a next step for him, to be as vocal and as loud as Virgil is.”
The foundation is there.
Injury Update on Wataru Endo
Slot also provided clarity on Wataru Endo’s situation.
“There is definitely a chance, but he will be out for a while.”
The timeline remains uncertain.
“We cannot say exactly how long yet.”
He confirmed Endo will miss the coming weeks.
“He will not be in the squad next week and he will not be in the squad the next month.”
There is hope for later in the season.
“We’re hoping towards the end of the season he has a chance to be there with us again.”
A Confident Message After FA Cup Progress
Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion was convincing. But what stood out most was Slot’s belief in his squad’s development. He spoke about intensity, leadership, growth, and long term vision. This was not just about reaching the fifth round of the Emirates FA Cup.
It was about building something sustainable and competitive. With performances improving and young players developing rapidly, Liverpool look like a team moving with purpose. And if Arne Slot is right, this may only be the beginning.
🔴Find the Latest News on Player Ratings | Transfers | Prematch | Postmatch
Thank you for your continued support, and let’s cheer Liverpool on to success in the upcoming match. Your thoughts are always welcome in the comments section. For further insights, you may explore the official Liverpool FC website by clicking here.
YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com