Arne Slot predictably refused to discuss Liverpool's remaining transfer business in the summer window after being directly asked about Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi.
"What I can tell you is not a lot," Slot said. "If somebody else is going to ask that question, it's going to be the same answer. It's been shown, I could impact the game on Friday with the players we had on the bench. Federico came in and scored a goal, and it would be much nicer to talk about the players we have.
"I understand you have to ask this question but your superior probably told you, and I know what his answer is going to be."
Isak is not expected to feature for Newcastle when Liverpool visits St. James' Park on Monday, but there is expected to be a particularly fiery atmosphere on the night due to the ongoing saga.
Arne Slot said that games against Newcastle are always difficult, irrespective of the circumstances surrounding any particular fixture.
"It's nothing to do with anything that's in the media a lot, but I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect," Slot said.
"We played them three times last season, and twice their intensity levels were above us. In the away game, especially the first 60 minutes, they were so intense and full deserved the lead. In the League Cup final they were also more intense than us as well.
Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool from Newcastle
Alexander Isak wants to join Liverpool from Newcastle (Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport, CameraSport via Getty Images)
"Apart from the intensity, it's a very good team. They also have a team that can make it a fight, but they also have players who are comfortable on the ball, so they are one of the best teams in the league.
Liverpool will welcome Ryan Gravenberch back into the fold against Newcastle after he missed the Bournemouth game through suspension, and Arne Slot is excited to have him back.
"If he's the same player as he was last season, that could help us a lot," Slot said. "If you look at the second goal we conceded against Bournemouth, I think Ryan would have been in that position [if he had been playing].
"With him not being there, and us playing with very good players but very attacking-minded players, that hurt us. And that one wasn't the first time we allowed a counter-attack for another team. If he comes back at the same level, it will help us to have him back again."