Arne Slot Discusses Rotation, PSV’s Form, and Liverpool’s Long-Term Plans

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has outlined his approach to squad rotation ahead of the Reds’ Champions League clash with PSV Eindhoven. With progression to the last 16 already secured, Slot has left several key players at home for the trip to the Netherlands. Yet, as he emphasised in his press conference, the focus remains on delivering a performance that honours Liverpool’s competitive spirit.

Slot’s Return to the Netherlands

Returning to his home country, Slot reflected on the blend of nostalgia and purpose that accompanies such moments.

“Yeah, of course. I’m happy in England, I’m happy in Liverpool with the team and the training ground, and everything that comes with that. I’ve had a great time here in Holland, football-wise but definitely in my private life as well, so it’s always nice to be back.”

While it’s not the club he once supported, Slot spoke warmly about the chance to reconnect with Dutch football culture and even share a few words in his native language.

Strategic Rotation for the Long Term

Slot’s decision to rest senior players for the PSV match was carefully calculated, focusing on long-term benefits over short-term results.

“They don’t need to prove themselves,” he said of the younger players stepping in. “We know what the quality is for the players that are going to play tomorrow. All the ones that are left behind could have played tomorrow but for the long term…if you look back at our season, it has been almost every time after three or four or five weeks we gave them the break during the week.”

While some fans may question the choice, Slot provided clarity: “If we do get into injury problems, these players will have a bit of game rhythm then as well. It doesn’t tell you anything about the results in the short term but definitely it helps us for the long term.”

Slot also downplayed the significance of finishing first or second in the group, given the new Champions League format. However, he reaffirmed the team’s commitment to victory. “A very wise man once said to me, ‘I have never seen anything good coming from losing a football game.’ So we are not going into the game tomorrow trying to lose the game, we will do everything we can to try to win it, of course.”

Analysing PSV’s Current Form

Having faced PSV previously during his Feyenoord tenure, Slot provided insights into the Dutch champions’ performances this season.

“Last season they were incredible. This season I haven’t seen that much, I think they’ve dropped a few points more than last season but not that big of a difference. They still scored a lot of goals in a short amount of time. They still have a lot of quality in their squad so if you talk about the team, nothing has changed there.”

Parallels Between Slot and Bosz

Slot acknowledged similarities between his own playing philosophy and that of PSV manager Peter Bosz.

“I don’t know if we’re exactly similar but there are similarities,” Slot explained. “He wants to have the ball a lot, he doesn’t go to a low block waiting for the other team to make a mistake. He doesn’t let his goalkeeper put the ball on the six-yard line and kick it as far as he can, and he wants to bring the ball out from the back.”

Praising Bosz’s influence at PSV, Slot added: “Every game he is involved in I think is a joy to watch. It is always positive, it is always eventful, a lot of things happen. I think the fans here in Eindhoven are very happy – not only because he won the league, but mainly also because of his playing style.”