During a recent press conference, Liverpool manager Arne Slot adeptly sidestepped a question about a former transfer target while defending one of his current players. The Dutchman faced inquiries about squad rotation, especially following Liverpool’s recent performance ahead of their match against Bournemouth on Saturday.
Liverpool is looking to bounce back from an unexpected 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, a tightly contested home game that raised questions about both their tactics and Slot’s team selection early in the season. However, the team regained some momentum with a strong 3-1 victory over AC Milan at the San Siro, giving them a confidence boost as they enter domestic matches.
With a busy schedule approaching, the topic of squad rotation has become increasingly relevant. Slot acknowledged that he will need to rotate players more frequently but admitted he hasn’t done so much yet. In response to questions about his reluctance to rotate before the Bournemouth game, he reflected on Liverpool’s failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window.
Zubimendi, a key target for Liverpool, chose to remain with Real Sociedad, which means Slot must work with the current squad. Instead of lamenting lost opportunities, Slot emphasized the importance of focusing on his available players. He joked, “If I could have bought Martin Zubimendi, then maybe I could have rotated a bit more, and the media would be a lot happier about it!”
Slot noted that discussing Zubimendi is pointless since he is still with Real Sociedad. Instead, he praised Ryan Gravenberch, who has stepped up in Zubimendi’s absence. Originally brought in to play further up the pitch, Gravenberch has adapted to a deeper midfield role this season. Slot expressed his satisfaction with Gravenberch’s contributions, saying, “We’re so happy with Ryan Gravenberch,” highlighting his confidence in Gravenberch’s ability to play a key role in Liverpool’s midfield.
Gravenberch’s adjustment to a three-man midfield has been a significant topic, showcasing his versatility. This adaptability will be crucial for Liverpool as the season progresses, particularly if Slot needs to rotate his squad more due to the demands of both domestic and European competitions. While the Zubimendi situation is behind them, Slot remains focused on maximizing the potential of his current players, with Gravenberch playing a central role in that strategy.
