Arne Slot Reacts to Liverpool’s Reported Interest in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | OneFootball

Liverpool, Arne Slot, and the Kvaratskhelia Rumours: What We Learned on the Anfield Index Podcast

The latest episode of Post Conference Presser on Anfield Index, hosted by Dave Davis, dissected Arne Slot’s pre-match press conference ahead of Liverpool’s FA Cup tie. Naturally, the burning question of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s potential move to Anfield came up, but Slot’s response was as measured as expected.

With insights from Davis and a deep dive into Liverpool’s form, transfers, and squad fitness, here’s what we learned.

Arne Slot’s Response to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Transfer Rumours

It was no surprise that Slot was questioned about Liverpool’s links to Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. As Dave Davis put it, “This was the moment we were hoping like Mastermind, weren’t we?” but Slot predictably offered little in the way of confirmation.

“When you said yourself you’re linked with these players, I was like, ‘Which club are you going to ask me about now?'” Slot remarked, adding, “99 times out of 100, it’s been clear that almost all of these stories weren’t true.”

Photo: IMAGO

Davis was quick to remind listeners that, despite the excitement, Slot does not have the final say on Liverpool’s transfer dealings: “Arne Slot is not in charge of transfers for Liverpool Football Club. All the info we have is that he naturally has asked for his opinion about which position we could improve… but he’s not directly in charge.”

Yet, the hosts acknowledged that Liverpool operates discreetly in the market, meaning a lack of outright denial shouldn’t be taken as an indication that nothing is happening behind the scenes. As Davis put it: “If there is anything in it, why would he tell you?”

Liverpool’s Form and Slot’s Take on Recent Performances

With Liverpool experiencing a mixed run of results, Slot was asked whether the team’s performances had dipped. His response was analytical rather than defensive:

“I don’t see that many differences compared to many other games we’ve played. The only difference is that we played these two games after winning 6-1 against Tottenham and 5-0 against West Ham. Everybody said, ‘We knew they were good, but we didn’t know they were THAT good.’ If you compare to those standards, I agree the games against United and Tottenham were of lower standards.”

Davis noted that Slot’s response was a calculated one, as he aimed to put things into perspective rather than accept a downturn in form: “I think if we’re honest, the last few games—United was pretty poor at parts. The mentality and attitude were questioned, understandably so.”

Photo: IMAGO

Slot was also keen to stress Liverpool’s habit of winning tight matches and the need to control games better: “We’ve deserved to win, but never by a big margin. It was always very tight, and if people ask me what we can improve on, it’s increasing that margin.”

Davis summed up the takeaway succinctly: “We’ve not been terrible, but we’ve not quite been at our best. That’s very fair to say.”

Squad Rotation and Injuries: Who’s Fit for Accrington?

Ahead of the FA Cup tie, Liverpool fans were keen to know the availability of key players. Slot provided updates on Dominik Szoboszlai and Jarell Quansah:

“Dom trained with the under-21s yesterday. Jarell was a bit ill in the last game, but I’m expecting him to be available.”

Davis reacted with enthusiasm: “That’s doubly good news. You can’t get away from this—Dominik Szoboszlai is back!”

One of the more intriguing talking points was Harvey Elliott’s lack of game time. Asked whether the young midfielder was due a bigger role, Slot acknowledged the competition in Liverpool’s squad: “He like many is in competition with many other good players. He got injured and was out for a long time. In this league, with this tempo and intensity, it’s not easy to come back and be at your best immediately.”

Yet, Davis felt that Elliott’s absence was significant: “He was the number 12, the Super Sub last season, wasn’t he? But he isn’t that anymore.”

Additionally, young talents Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha were mentioned as potential squad members for the Accrington game, with Slot saying: “These players are doing well, and as long as they keep training with us, their chances will increase.”

Davis, however, took it a step further: “I actually believe one of those players will start.”

What to Expect Against Accrington

Despite paying respect to Accrington’s history and battling spirit, Davis was blunt in his assessment: “Let’s be honest, we should batter them.”

Davis was also keen to see young striker Jayden Danns get game time and backed Elliott to make a statement: “I think Harvey Elliott will be quite determined if he plays to send a message.”

His final prediction? “3-1 Liverpool, Elliott and Danns on the score sheet.”

Final Thoughts

Liverpool’s recent form, Arne Slot’s approach, and the constant swirl of transfer speculation make for compelling discussion. While Slot was never going to confirm a move for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, his comments left the door slightly ajar for intrigue.

As Dave Davis wrapped up: “We’re all excited about Liverpool being involved in transfer talk, aren’t we?”

With the FA Cup tie against Accrington and the league fixture against Nottingham Forest looming, Liverpool will be looking to regain their early-season swagger. Slot may not be giving much away, but Liverpool fans will be watching closely to see how things unfold.