Arne Slot reacts to Liverpool's 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid and the debut of Alexander Isak
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, speaks to the media in a post match press conference after the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 17, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Arne Slot speaks after Liverpool's last-gasp Champions League win over Atletico Madrid at Anfield
(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Arne Slot admits he was "positively surprised" by Alexander Isak's fitness after the £125m striker played for an hour in Liverpool's 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid. The Reds new boy had only played 18 minutes since May, for Sweden against Kosovo during the recent international break.
But he was handed his Liverpool debut as they kicked off their Champions League campaign with a dramatic victory over Diego Simeone's side at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Isak lasted an hour before being withdrawn for Hugo Ekitike and Slot was able to reflect on a good night's work for his new centre-forward, who linked up promisingly a number of times with fellow new signing Florian Wirtz.
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“I was positively surprised by how fit Alexander was during the 60 minutes," the Reds boss said.
"That maybe tells you that it might be different to sign a 20-year-old from a different league than a 25-year-old used to playing in this league.
“Although he only trained for two weeks, he has so many games under his belt in this league.
“I wasn’t surprised about his quality as we all know that. It’s always nice to see if a player starts the way he started. Ekitike started the same way.
“It was a good start, only 60 minutes and now we have to build him up from here. He’s not going to play 90 against Everton.
“One of the things you need if you want to compete for the Premier League and the cups is mentality and fitness and quality and today we saw that.
“Maybe I’m a bit disappointed we scored in the last minute. I know it will be a great headline and [something] to talk about but I’d have liked it more if people were talking about our other attacks where Florian and Alexander combined together.
“I can come up with so many great attacks we had today but everyone is talking about the late winner.
“I understand it as it’s the story of this game and the last five games. I saw many good things."
On Wirtz's performance, Slot added: “He was close a few times to scoring a goal and assisting a goal.
“He created the most chances for us today. I can see with him as well he is getting fitter and adjusting more to us. Which is normal as you need a bit of time to adjust.
“People forget he’s a 22-year-old going for the first time abroad. Last year was my first time abroad at 46 and all the things that are normal are not normal.
“Combine that with going to a new club, new playing style, we ask a bit more of him on the ball and defensively as well.
“I can see him grow more and more. A quality player always adjusts to what he needs. He and the team will get better."