Arne Slot, the current manager of Liverpool, has a different take on the challenges of early kick-offs, particularly the 12:30 PM slots that have stirred much debate.
Rather than focusing on the timing of the games, he believes the true test lies in navigating the tough away matches that the Premier League presents.
A Shift from Klopp’s Stance
This perspective marks a notable shift from former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who was quite vocal about his discontent regarding the frequent scheduling of these early games.
Klopp’s frustrations were well-known, especially as he labeled the timing a “crime” and even joked about wanting Amnesty International to intervene on behalf of his team.
Slot’s First Early Challenge
As Liverpool prepares to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Saturday, it will be Slot’s first experience managing an early kick-off following a Champions League match.
Despite acknowledging that the Premier League doesn’t offer as much assistance to teams in European competitions compared to the Eredivisie, he emphasized that this should not serve as an excuse for poor performance.
Focusing on Away Challenges
“I don’t think it has so much to do with the 12:30 kick-offs,” Slot stated, shifting the conversation toward the inherent difficulties of away games.
“Every away game is challenging. People tend to focus on the timing, but the real issue is the away match itself.
If performing at 12:30 PM were genuinely an issue, then I must be a pretty poor manager, considering we train daily at noon!”
His confidence suggests that he believes in his team’s ability to perform regardless of the schedule.
Aiming for Continued Success
Slot’s confidence comes at a time when Liverpool is riding high at the top of the Premier League, having secured five wins from six matches.
Just recently, they celebrated a 2-0 victory over Bologna in the Champions League, marking Slot’s record for the best start as a manager at the club.
Meanwhile, their upcoming opponents, Crystal Palace, are still in search of their first win of the season, currently sitting in 18th place after their loss to Everton.
As Slot prepares for this pivotal match, he aims to keep the momentum going and prove that the timing of the game won’t hinder their performance.
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