The Liverpool boss is well aware of the dangers Eddie Howe's side pose ahead of Monday night's showdown
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot is expecting another difficult St James' Park test against Newcastle United on Monday night - and has told his players that they must rise to the occasion.
On the face of it, Liverpool have had a dream summer, while Newcastle have seen several transfer targets opt for different clubs, including Hugo Ekitike who signed for the Reds.
Liverpool have also added Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to their squad, and kicked off the campaign with a 4-2 win over Bournemouth, while Newcastle were held to a goalless draw at Aston Villa.
The Alexander Isak transfer saga has continued to dominate the build-up to the game, with the Swede digging his heels in over a move to Anfield.
Slot is well aware of the St James' Park atmosphere, having seen his side draw 3-3 on Tyneside last season, and the impact of the United fans in the Carabao Cup final at Wemley in March.
Content Image
Content Image
However, he knows Eddie Howe has the players at his disposal to take advantage of the noise inside the famous stadium when the two sides go head to head on Monday night.
"I don't think they are a club with troubles," Slot said of Newcastle. "They had a very good start to the season against Aston Villa, a good game for them. I think they were able to get more out of the game than the one point they got.
"So, it's mainly difficult because of the players they have there – not only because of the fans but the atmosphere is great, like it is at Anfield. So, we are used to a certain environment but St James' Park, if I just remember last season when it was an evening game as well, by the way, the atmosphere was amazing and it will be the same.
"But why the atmosphere is amazing is because the players can perform, they can add to the atmosphere by being as intense as they were, bringing the quality as they brought in that game.
"So, that's going to be the challenge. The challenge is also playing in a stadium where the fans will be there for the home team, and that always helps every home team. I can tell you about us, so the last 15 to 20 minutes at Anfield, it wasn't a coincidence that we scored twice because the fans helped us in that moment of time.
"But if you only have fans and you don't have the players then you can forget it. The main thing we have to be ready for are their midfielders, their last line, their three forwards, although I assume – I'm not sure but I assume – Alexander Isak is not playing from what I read in the media.
"But they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine, they still have Anthony Elanga as a right-winger and Harvey Barnes from the left, and then Jacob Murphy isn't even playing, who was very good against us twice last season. This is the Premier League, we all have a lot of options and Newcastle have them as well."