“We Know how Hard it will be” – Arne Slot Previews Liverpool’s FA Community Shield Clash with Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Arne Slot Eyeing Silverware as Liverpool Prepare for Crystal Palace Showdown

Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot faced the media ahead of the Reds’ FA Community Shield clash with Crystal Palace, offering clarity on transfers, injuries and the team’s mental readiness following a tragic summer.

The meeting with Palace at Wembley presents Liverpool with an early opportunity to claim silverware after lifting the Premier League title under Slot’s guidance last season. But the Dutchman was quick to remind everyone of the difficulty of facing the FA Cup winners.

“They showed in the last final, and even in the semi-final, how difficult it is to win a one-off game against them,” Slot said. “We played 1-1 against them in the last game of the season. Most of their players are still there, so we know how hard it will be.”

Photo: IMAGO

Responding to Tragedy and Tribute

Slot addressed the devastating loss of forward Diogo Jota in July, expressing how deeply the tragedy affected the squad.

“First of all, the tragedy impacted us, of course, most. But again, it impacted far more his wife, children and parents,” he said. “The tributes that have been done since were all very emotional and impressive, every time we were somewhere. It started off in Preston and in Asia as well. It’s been emotional, but impressive as well.”

Jota’s absence is clearly still felt at every level of the club, but Slot and his players have shown strength and unity as they look to honour his memory through performance.

Assessing Liverpool’s Options and Transfer Moves

When asked about the club’s forward depth and transfer market activity, Slot maintained a cautious but confident tone. While Darwin Nunez could be on the move, the manager expressed faith in his attacking ranks.

“At this moment in time, Darwin might indeed leave, but things are not signed yet… But there is indeed a chance he is going to leave,” Slot said.

However, there was little concern in his voice. Slot reeled off a formidable list of options: “Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Hugo Ekitike, Mo Salah, Jeremie Frimpong… Florian Wirtz.” The newly signed Ekitike in particular has impressed in training, with Slot adding, “I and we are very happy with the squad… because we won the league last season.”

The upcoming Africa Cup of Nations has also shaped Liverpool’s planning. Mo Salah’s absence could stretch to six Premier League matches, and Frimpong’s signing was made with that in mind. “He can play as a right full-back but I also think and feel he can play as a right-winger,” Slot explained. “Jeremie is definitely one of [the options to replace Mo].”

Developing Youth Without Overloading

Slot also took time to address the growing excitement around young talents Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni, both of whom have caught the eye during pre-season.

“It was a year ago when Trey Nyoni scored a goal, I think against Sevilla, when he was also maybe 17 – very young,” Slot said. “They have an incredible chance to work and be every day around players like Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah… That is a step these players definitely have to make.”

Aware of the physical and emotional demands on teenagers, Slot emphasised Liverpool’s careful approach. “We also have to take care of them because… the intensity levels are quite high… let alone for players that are 16 and coming through the Academy.”

Slot’s message ahead of the season opener was clear: Liverpool are ready, focused and respectful of their opponents. With Crystal Palace proving to be no easy fixture and emotions still raw from recent events, the match carries extra weight for the Premier League champions.