Slot on Zubimendi's rejection, Diaz future and season aims

katie stafford - bbc sport journalist

Fri, 16 Aug 2024, 5:04 am·1-min read

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Ipswich Town.

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

Slot confirmed there are no new injury concerns and he has a fully fit squad.
On how he is feeling going into his first league game: "Excited, of course, because after pre-season it is what you have worked for."
He said the club "are trying to strengthen the squad" in the background but "it is not easy to find players" that are a direct fit.
On Martin Zubimendi rejecting a move to Anfield: "He decided not to come so we go forward with the players we have. We tried every effort to bring him in, but if a player doesn't want to come then there's not much you can do."
In response to the transfer rumours about Luis Diaz: "There is a lot of speculation constantly in this country. His future is with us because I like a lot of what I have seen. He has had a big impact on Liverpool and I’m hoping he will this campaign."
On where he sees Trent Alexander-Arnold playing: "He has been known for being a right full-back for all his life. But in the modern game you see a lot of full-backs dropping into midfield. He is capable of playing both really well, so it is up to me where he can help the team the most."
Slot is expecting an "intense" game against Ipswich because they are "a promoted team who have only had positives in recent years".
He said "the players have really bought" into his style of play and, like last season, their aim is to win a trophy.