Image Credits: Imago Images
Deadline week always brings noise, but Liverpool have been clear about the direction they want to go.
With the window shutting on Monday, clubs across Europe are testing resolve, especially when key players are involved and contracts are ticking down.
That is why the recent links around Curtis Jones have mattered.
Inter Milan were credited with an approach, and it came at a time when Liverpool have already had to shut down other exit talk.
The club had also ended discussions with Tottenham Hotspur over Andy Robertson, so the message has been consistent.
On the pitch, results have raised the stakes.
Liverpool needed a response after the 3-2 loss at AFC Bournemouth, and they delivered it with a 6-0 Champions League win over Qarabag FK before hammering Newcastle United 4-1 at Anfield.
That is the backdrop to Arne Slot speaking after the Newcastle win.
With 48 to 72 hours left, Liverpool are trying to control the narrative and protect the squad for the run-in.
Slot did not sound like a manager preparing to lose a senior player.
Asked about Jones after the 4-1 win, he said, “I think there’s always a lot of talk about Liverpool and Liverpool players,” and pointed to the atmosphere around the club.
He added: “There was a lot of noise around the club the last week or should I say weeks, but today our fans showed what noise really means.”
“That is being loud, they were so helpful today, that is what noise here is in Liverpool. We are trying to strengthen the squad and not trying to weaken it.”
“But yeah, 48-72 hours to go, let us see where the window ends up.”
That stance came with context.
Reports suggested Inter were open to a loan with a view to a £35m deal for Jones, who has under 18 months left on his contract, but Liverpool had already rebuffed the approach.
Slot also tied the situation to performance, saying, “We are an industry where it is all about results… in the last two games scoring 10 and only conceding one, I can safely say that has been a big improvement.”
“I am pleased and happy we have these two results, but because of the many points we have dropped, we are also aware that this certainly not enough.”
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