Slot on Alexander-Arnold, recovering from PSG and Carabao Cup final
- Published
Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle (kick-off 16:30 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
As anticipated, Trent Alexander-Arnold is unavailable but Slot expects the right-back to return before the end of the season.
However, the Liverpool boss is hopeful Ibrahima Konate will train today and then a decision will be made ahead of Sunday.
He said "in this part of the season it is almost impossible to have all of your players fit" so it is no surprise both Liverpool and Newcastle have key players sidelined for the final.
More from Slot on the absentees: "Both teams have two or three that can't play and that's almost a privilege as some teams have had more all season. It's the minimum you can expect after four months of non-stop football. It's a compliment to the medical staff of both clubs that it is not more."
On Virgil van Dijk's comments he still has 'no idea' whether he will be at the club next season: "The only thing I know is that I want Virgil to be here next season and for no more talk about contracts."
After their exertions against Paris St-Germain on Tuesday, Slot said it is "normal for players to be tired after extra time, especially after playing such an intense 90 minutes" but said Liverpool will be ready to go again at Wembley.
Reflecting on the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain: "I liked the game because it was all about pure football. I have seen so many games recently where it is all about time delays and dives. This was two teams going all out in possession and attack. Pure football and it is a big compliment to PSG that they were able to beat such a strong Liverpool side."
In response to whether Darwin Nunez has needed his spirits lifting after missing his penalty: "I assume Curtis [Jones] felt the same? It's the same for every player that takes a penalty and misses, but the all the others didn't feel great after as we lost and they all took responsibility because you can miss a chance like you miss a penalty. We were closer to winning the game in the 90 minutes and with penalties you need a little bit of luck. I don't want to make anything more of it."
On the opportunity presented by the final: "We are really looking forward to it - you cannot take a final for granted in this country. Everyone wants to play a final. That is one of the reasons we get out of bed in the morning. Everyone wants to win trophies."
On suggestions it is a 'bigger game' for Newcastle given their 70-year wait for a major trophy, Slot said it is "a big moment" for both clubs to be in the final.
Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
