“It is Difficult” – Arne Slot Shares His Thoughts on Liverpool’s Infamous Early Kick-Offs | OneFootball

Slot’s Take on Lunchtime Kick-Offs: ‘Stupid’ Liverpool Claim Sparks Debate

Arne Slot has made his stance clear on the notorious 12:30pm Premier League kick-off time, something his Liverpool predecessor Jurgen Klopp regularly criticised. Unlike Klopp, who often expressed frustration at the scheduling, especially after midweek European fixtures, Slot seems less concerned and took a light-hearted approach to the issue.

Slot’s Liverpool will face Crystal Palace in this Saturday’s early kick-off at Selhurst Park, a fixture that arrives just days after their Champions League match against Bologna. With a short recovery window, questions have naturally been raised about whether the early kick-off could impact performance. However, Slot has brushed aside such worries, even making a playful remark about how his team regularly trains at midday.

Photo: IMAGO

No Excuses for Lunchtime Matches

Slot, known for his methodical approach to the game, laughed off any suggestion that Liverpool should struggle with the early start. “If 12:30pm was a difficult time to perform then I am a stupid manager because I train every day at midday!” he said during a press conference. His comments highlight a stark difference in perspective from Klopp, who frequently vented frustration over similar scheduling issues.

Liverpool’s busy schedule, dictated largely by broadcasters, is nothing new. Klopp often pointed to the gruelling demands placed on his players, especially when facing tricky away fixtures in the early kick-off slot. Slot, though, seems to have taken it all in stride, showing little sympathy for complaints about match timings.

European Demands and Domestic Responsibilities

After defeating Bologna midweek in the Champions League, Slot and his squad have had just a few days to prepare for their Premier League clash with Crystal Palace. While some managers might have expressed concerns over such a tight turnaround, Slot instead emphasised the unique nature of English football scheduling.

“I think the league I come from, they are more aware and try to help teams in Europe,” Slot explained, referring to his previous experience in the Eredivisie. “But to be fair to the English FA, our schedule is tight, so it is difficult. It has a lot to do with TV stations, it feels like I do an interview every day. I think they can pick a team for 12:30pm, so they choose Liverpool.”

Slot’s comments suggest that he has quickly adapted to the intense demands of managing in the Premier League, a league where broadcast rights and commercial interests frequently dictate the schedule. His pragmatic approach stands in contrast to Klopp’s previous outspoken stance, where the German manager often felt that Liverpool were being unfairly targeted for early kick-offs after European nights.

Managing Expectations and Contracts

While Liverpool’s hectic schedule is a talking point, there’s another issue that continues to rumble in the background — the futures of some of the club’s most important players. Slot has faced continuous questions about contract negotiations involving Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk, all of whom are approaching the end of their deals.

When asked for an update on these contract situations ahead of the Crystal Palace game, Slot couldn’t help but laugh. “Contracts?!” he responded with a chuckle, before delivering a characteristically candid reply. “I was hoping you didn’t use that word. It’s the same boring answer as always, and I could really understand if you ask me this every two weeks, but every other day?”

Clearly growing weary of the constant speculation, Slot advised reporters to hold off on their questions for a while longer. “People think I am boring with the same answer. Try asking after the international break,” he added, suggesting that there may be no immediate developments on the contract front.

Focus on the Title Race

Despite the swirling contract talk and a challenging schedule, Slot has guided Liverpool to a strong start in the Premier League. The Reds currently sit at the top of the table after six matches, with the Dutchman successfully implementing his footballing philosophy in his debut season. However, the trip to Crystal Palace will pose yet another test of Liverpool’s title credentials, as Selhurst Park has proven to be a tricky venue for the Merseyside club in the past.

Slot’s pragmatic approach to both on-pitch tactics and off-pitch distractions seems to be paying off. While some might focus on the complications posed by the early kick-off, the Dutchman’s light-hearted yet confident attitude suggests he has bigger priorities — namely keeping Liverpool in pole position as they chase another Premier League title.