Speaking to the media ahead of Liverpool vs Marseille, former Spurs midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg discussed his opponent’s recent form.
Arne Slot will face the media on Tuesday evening once the Reds touch down in Marseille, and that will be an interesting one given the result at the weekend and the potential return of Mohamed Salah to the lineup.
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Mohamed Salah pictured in Liverpool training with Arne Slot in the background.
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The home side’s press conference with Roberto De Zerbi and Hojbjerg on Tuesday morning had some intrigue, too.
Specifically, the Dane’s response to claims about the current state of his Champions League opponents.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg thinks Liverpool criticism is harsh
Since leaving Spurs in the summer of 2024, Hojbjerg’s role at the Stade Velodrome has grown. He is an integral cog in the De Zerbi machine at the base of midfield.
His 254 Premier League appearances for Spurs and Southampton is likely the reason behind his selection for a pre-Liverpool media appearance.
Responding to a question regarding his old rivals’ ‘bad patch’, Hojbjerg said (via OM): “It’s not fair to say that. They have fantastic players like Salah.
Mo Salah and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg during Liverpool vs Spurs
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“We’ll have to play a great game, we’re ambitious, we love playing these big games. Liverpool are champions, we have to take these opportunities.”
As much as Hojbjerg thinks it’s a harsh assessment, most regular spectators would agree that it has been, well, bad. Liverpool fans are growing tired of Slot.
He does have a point, though. Liverpool are champions, and can beat any team in Europe on their day. That’s what makes this Champions League run worth being hopeful about.
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Liverpool predicted XI vs Marseille - GRV Media line-up builder
Liverpool predicted XI vs Marseille – GRV Media line-up builder
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Roberto De Zerbi going for three points
After Hojbjerg, the manager came out to take questions.
One was about how he is going to approach this Liverpool tie, and his answer was unafraid.
He explained: “I have never prepared for a match with the aim of getting a draw. We prepare for it and we play to win.
“If we don’t all run together, we won’t win. This is especially important for the forwards. I always have forwards on the bench. If we have a drop in energy in the 60th minute, I can make changes. We have to play with courage. We have what it takes to look them in the eye, like we did against PSG.
“In competition, we can lose, but we can also win.”
That is the message De Zerbi will be giving to his players, so don’t expect the bus to be parked. A high-scoring, end-to-end tie is the likelier option.
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