Liverpool boss Arne Slot expressed his excitement at returning to Wembley Stadium this weekend when the Reds battle it out for a chance to get their hands on the Community Shield.
After leading the Merseyside club to the Premier League title in his first season at the helm, the Dutchman has the chance to add another accolade to his CV on Sunday when Liverpool go head-to-head with Crystal Palace under the arch.
“As someone who has followed English football all my life, I know how special a game at Wembley is,” explained Slot. “I had my first taste of this place as a head coach last season, and I am really looking forward to being back out there with my team.
“For us, this is the ideal game to complete our preparations for the new season. As a head coach, you want three things at this time of year; to get some good work in on the training ground, competitive and challenging games and to steer clear of injuries.”
“We know, of course, what we achieved last season, and it is important from our point of view that we maintain the standards we set during the past 12 months.”
The Liverpool boss with the Premier League trophy
The Eagles – who won last season’s Emirates FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the Final – stand in Liverpool’s way of claiming the prize for the first time in three years.
“They are a team which always makes it difficult,” said Slot. “They have good players, a very good coach with a clear idea of how to play, and to achieve what they achieved last season, winning the Emirates FA Cup here against Manchester City was really impressive. They deserve a lot of credit for that.”
And Slot paid tribute to the late Diogo Jota who tragically passed away, along with his brother Andre Silva, in July.
“This summer has been a difficult for everybody connected with the club,” said Slot. “The passing of Diogo Jota had a big impact on all of us and is something that we are still coming to terms with. We cannot imagine the pain that Diogo’s family, his wife, children and friends are going through, and the club will continue to give them all the support they can going forward.
“Diogo’s passing has had a big impact on us all, but what has been so important has been the love and care shown from the football world, and in particular of course the Liverpool FC community.
We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Liverpool forward, Diogo Jota.
Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and teammates during this tragic time. https://t.co/5pNeEmUBFa pic.twitter.com/3dQsqO68gN
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) July 3, 2025
“I also want to mention the strength and the courage of my players here. They have found themselves in one of the toughest positions imaginable, but the way they have come together and the way they have conducted themselves, on and off the pitch, is a credit to them and to this football club. We really couldn’t have asked more of the boys, and I am extremely proud of them all.
“We will always carry Diogo with us in our hearts, in our thoughts, wherever we go.”