Liverpool step into the cauldron of St. James’ Park on Monday night, and Arne Slot is under no illusions about what awaits.
“The atmosphere is great. That will be the challenge,” the Dutchman said, his tone both wary and measured. Newcastle United, without Alexander Isak, remain a snarling beast in their own den, powered by intensity and the fervor of their support.
Isak’s mutiny has become the grotesque theatre of this transfer window. The Swede, scorer of 25 goals last season, has refused to play, citing “broken promises.”
Newcastle hit back with a scathing rebuttal, but the damage is plain: three Premier League matches without a goal, the fluency of earlier weeks reduced to static.
Liverpool’s £110 million bid has been gathering dust for three weeks, the striker’s future shackled by St. James’ politics.
Also Read: Harvey Elliott set for Liverpool exit after personal terms agreed
Gravenberch return offers Slot defensive solace
Slot, pressed on the issue, offered little oxygen to the fire. “What I can tell you is not a lot. And if someone else asks that question, it’s going to be the same answer.”
He pivoted instead to those already at his disposal: “It would be much nicer for us to talk about the players who we have.”
That pragmatism hides a brutal reality. Slot remembers too well how Newcastle out-fought Liverpool last season.
🗣️ Arne Slot on Newcastle:
“The atmosphere is great. That will be the challenge. The main thing we have to be ready for is their midfielders, their last forwards, their three forwards. I assume Isak isn't playing but they still have Gordon, Elanga, Barnes, Murphy.” pic.twitter.com/ANFFUBKWVq
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) August 21, 2025
“We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours. In the away game, especially in the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense and fully deserved to have the lead.”
Newcastle’s weapons remain varied: Anthony Gordon, Anthony Elanga, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy. “The main thing we have to be ready for are their midfielders, their last line, their three forwards,” Slot admitted.
Liverpool’s own flaws — exposed by Bournemouth’s counters last weekend — will not survive under the floodlights in Tyneside’s storm.
Slot concedes as much: “If all your three midfielders are inside the box… that’s too open.” Ryan Gravenberch’s return is his safety net. Without him, this could turn brutal.
Also Read: French club shows interest in Liverpool defender