A busy period is approaching for Liverpool, but Arne Slot does not want to complain about the packed schedule. Before his move to Anfield, the Dutch coach actually enjoyed the fact that football is played in England during the holidays.
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Liverpool is entering one of the most demanding stretches of their season, immediately following their final Champions League fixture of 2024 against Girona.
Over the course of just two weeks, Arne Slot’s squad will face an intense run of five matches, a challenge that is both a hallmark and a burden of English football. Unlike in the Netherlands, where clubs are afforded a brief winter break to recover and regroup, English football operates on a relentless calendar. The festive period, long celebrated for its continuous matches, remains a unique tradition in the Premier League and one that Slot acknowledges both as a blessing and a test.
"I was always happy that the Premier League continued because it meant there was football on TV," Slot shared with a smile during his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Fulham. The Dutch manager, now acclimating to the pressures of English football, is no stranger to a busy schedule. His experience at Feyenoord taught him how to navigate European competitions alongside domestic fixtures, but he admits there’s a stark contrast when managing a club of Liverpool’s stature.
"In the Netherlands, clubs often use the winter break as a chance to reset, often traveling to sunnier destinations for training camps," Slot explained. "With Feyenoord, I was used to playing twice a week, but at Liverpool, everything feels bigger the scale, the demands, and the expectations. The facilities are world-class, but so is the opposition. Every team in this league is capable of giving you a difficult game, no matter their position on the table."
He elaborated further on the differences, citing not just the quality of the Premier League but also the logistical challenges. "The country is bigger, the travel times are longer, and there’s little respite. At Feyenoord, we knew which matches were going to be especially tough. Here, every single match requires your full focus. That’s the beauty and the challenge of managing in England."
Slot acknowledged that while the unrelenting schedule tests players and coaches alike, it also comes with a sense of excitement. "Now that I’m in this league, I can see both sides of the argument. A break would be helpful, not just physically but mentally. A few weeks off would allow players to recharge. At the same time, this is what makes English football so special the tradition, the non-stop action, and the joy it brings to the fans."
He couldn’t resist injecting a bit of humor when recalling Liverpool’s recent match in Girona. "Sometimes it’s nice to step away and get some sun in Spain. Unfortunately, we didn’t see much sun there," Slot joked, lightening the mood. "But you won’t hear me complaining about how much we travel. This is part of what makes the Premier League so demanding but also so rewarding."
Federico Chiesa: A Challenge to Integrate
Amidst the demanding fixture list, Slot finds himself facing the challenge of integrating Federico Chiesa back into the squad. The talented Italian winger has been sidelined for several months and is still working his way back to full match fitness. Slot emphasized the delicate balance required to reintroduce a player after such a long layoff.
"Federico needs playing time. He’s been out for five or six months, and that makes it difficult for a manager. You want to ease him back in, but at the same time, you don’t always have the luxury of doing so when the games come this quickly. You’re not sure how sharp he’ll be, or what to expect in a high-intensity match. Perhaps the game against Southampton will give us a good opportunity to get him some minutes," Slot hinted, referencing the upcoming League Cup fixture next Wednesday.
However, before Southampton, Liverpool must first deal with Fulham on Saturday. Whether Chiesa will feature in that match remains uncertain, as Slot carefully assesses the winger’s readiness. He did offer some optimism, revealing that Diogo Jota, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury, could also return. "We have one more training session, so we’ll have to see. Maybe Diogo will be in the squad, and perhaps Federico too. It all depends on the players we have available."
Darwin Núñez Under Scrutiny
Jota’s absence has given Darwin Núñez an extended run in the starting lineup, but the Uruguayan striker continues to polarize opinion. While his energy, movement, and work ethic have been praised, his finishing remains inconsistent. Núñez’s missed chances against Girona only amplified the pressure on him to deliver.
Slot defended his striker, acknowledging the mental toll of missed opportunities. "Of course, it affects him. When you miss big chances, it’s hard not to dwell on it. Every player in that situation needs someone to put an arm around their shoulder and support them. But I’ve made it clear to Darwin that he’s not judged solely on goals. Yes, in an ideal scenario, he scores more, but his contribution to the team goes beyond that. His movement creates space, his pressing disrupts opponents, and he gives everything for the team."
The Liverpool manager remains confident that Núñez will find his scoring touch. "He’s a top player, and goals will come. Strikers go through these periods it’s part of the game. What matters is that he stays focused and continues working hard for the team. His time will come."
As Liverpool brace themselves for this challenging run of fixtures, Slot’s calm demeanor and clear understanding of his squad’s challenges provide reassurance. With matches coming thick and fast, the Dutchman’s ability to rotate his squad effectively while managing player fitness will be critical. The upcoming games against Fulham and Southampton offer a chance to build momentum, but Slot knows there’s little room for error in such a competitive league.
For Liverpool fans, this demanding period is both a test and a showcase of their team’s resilience. As Slot leads his side into the festive fixture chaos, his pragmatic approach and unwavering belief in his squad will be key in navigating one of the most intense stretches of the season.
