Liverpool manager Arné Slot has acknowledged the significant physical challenge facing his team as they travel to Brighton & Hove Albion for a Premier League match on Saturday, just 62 hours after a demanding Champions League victory over Galatasaray.
Slot addressed concerns about player fatigue and potential injuries during a pre-match press conference, specifically mentioning Jeremie Frimpong, who has struggled with fitness following intense game schedules. “Jeremie Frimpong, for example, is such an explosive player, made so many sprints and so many times this season, unfortunately, when games came fast he got injured,” Slot said. With Joe Gomez already sidelined, the manager indicated he is carefully considering team selection.
Liverpool secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a 4-0 win against Galatasaray on Wednesday, achieving a 4-1 aggregate victory. The team now faces Paris Saint-Germain in the next round. However, Slot emphasized the immediate focus is on the Premier League clash against Brighton.
The Liverpool manager as well discussed the team’s goalscoring form, noting a frustrating inability to convert chances into goals. “You are saying we’re struggling to score goals and then you added in the first half. I would say we are struggling to score goals. Not that we don’t score them, but with all the chances we create, it’s unbelievable that we don’t score more,” Slot stated. He stressed the need for a strong start against Brighton, anticipating an intense contest.
Slot anticipates a high-tempo match against Brighton, praising their attacking style and willingness to engage in open play. “It’s really nice, it’s always really nice. You’ll probably say, ‘Yeah, you always [have] something to complain [about].’ But I would prefer to face a team now that maybe did this [raises fists] a little bit more!” he commented. He also pointed out the unusual scheduling disadvantage of playing a Saturday lunchtime game after a midweek European fixture, noting Liverpool is the only team in that situation.
According to ESPN, Liverpool currently hold 49 points from 30 Premier League games, placing them fifth in the standings, two points behind Aston Villa and five behind Manchester United. Brighton, with 40 points from 30 games, are aiming for a European qualification spot. Liverpool have already defeated Brighton twice this season, both at Anfield, winning 2-0 in the Premier League in December and 3-0 in the FA Cup fourth round in January.
The match at Amex Stadium is scheduled for a 12:30 p.m. GMT kick-off on Saturday, and will be broadcast on TNT Sports in the UK, NBC/Peacock in the U.S., JioHotstar in India and Stan Sport in Australia.
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