Arne Slot has sought to clarify that he and sporting director Richard Hughes were “completely aligned” with their decisions over the summer, leaving him with full faith in his squad.
Did Arne Slot and Richard Hughes make summer transfer decisions together?
There were claims of a ‘civil war’ at Liverpool earlier this week, and while it was not specifically mentioned in his press conference, Slot seemingly used a question on transfers to make a point.
When asked if Liverpool have sufficient depth or if January additions are needed, Slot name-checked Hughes and the owners over the direction the club took in the summer.
“First of all, I’m really happy with the squad we have. All the decisions that were made last summer and the summer before and all these things are completely aligned with me and Richard [Hughes] and ownership,” he said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, April 27, 2025: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1 and became League Champions. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“So, I think it has shown this season how talented this group is and if everyone is available how good of a team we can be.”
He then later added: “This club is in a very good place if everyone is available, and we are getting stronger and stronger, then this club is in a really good place for the short future but definitely also for the mid- to long-term future.”
Considering Liverpool’s performances, the noise will continue, but Slot did not mention Hughes and the owners for no reason – even if it was to share the blame!
Hugo Ekitike’s late fitness test vs. Arsenal
Watch: Arne Slot‘s Pre-Arsenal Press Conference
Arne Slot addresses the “dull and boring” tag, provides an update on Hugo Ekitike’s fitness, and previews the “proper fight” expected at the Emirates.
• Hugo Ekitike will require a late fitness test to determine his involvement against Arsenal, he hasn’t trained so far this week and Wednesday’s session will decide his fate – a start is likely off the table either way
• Stefan Bajcetic has suffered a setback on his return from a serious hamstring injury, delaying his return further – the chances of a first-team appearance are dwindling, which is a huge shame
• Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Juventus but his former club’s manager, manager Luciano Spalletti, says it’s the “first I’ve heard of it” – quite the dismissal
• Arne Slot was in a mood to shut things down on Wednesday, first over a transfer for Marc Guehi and then again regarding Harvey Elliott‘s possible return from loan – it hasn’t gone over well!
• Liverpool Women have signed Sweden goalkeeper Jennifer Falk on loan for the remainder of the season, the 32-year-old will add plenty of experience to the club’s relegation fight
6 Semenyo alternatives for Liverpool
With Antoine Semenyo bound for Man City, Sam Millne took a look at who Liverpool should be targeting this month to improve the squad:
Semenyo Alternatives: 6 Targets for Liverpool
The wildcard: RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has emerged as a top target after scoring a historic Bundesliga hat-trick. Leipzig have set a €100m (£86.5m) price tag.
The dream signing: Liverpool remain “seriously interested” in Michael Olise, who boasts 24 goal involvements for Bayern this term. However, Bayern are working on a new deal.
The Premier League fix: With Antoine Semenyo joining City, Liverpool could turn to Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.
READ: 6 Semenyo alternatives: Yan Diomande, Bradley Barcola & more
Man United stuck in the past
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 22, 2021: Manchester United's manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær applauds the supporters after the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Manchester United FC and West Ham United FC at Old Trafford. West Ham United won 1-0. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
• Man United continues to exist in the past with Darren Fletcher asking for Alex Ferguson’s blessing before taking on the interim role – their inability to move on has been their downfall
• And on that same note, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick and Ruud Van Nistelrooy are contenders for the caretaker role moving forward – that club is stuck in time, not that we’re complaining! (The Telegraph)
• Oliver Glasner, a long-term United target, admitted if a “massive offer” comes in for Guehi and he wants the transfer, “it will happen.” This comes amid Man City‘s interest and Palace now wanting £40m!
• And Mikel Arteta has confirmed neither Riccardo Calafiori nor Cristhian Mosquera will face Liverpool, but Kai Havertz could return after he was managed over the weekend
Liverpool FC: On this day
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - Monday, January 7, 2019: Liverpool's Curtis Jones during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Liverpool FC at Molineux Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Two current Liverpool players have made their debut in FA Cup games against Wolves on January 7, but both in different years.
While Curtis Jones played his first game at Molineux in 2019, Cody Gakpo made his bow in 2023 in front of the Kop.
Jones’ evening ended in disappointment, however, as the Reds lost 2-1 in the third round of the cup.
Four years later, the Reds fared better at Anfield, drawing 2-2 before winning the replay 1-0, 10 days later.