Liverpool play their next game Saturday, welcoming Wolves to Anfield. The holiday season has the usual rhythms of preparation and press conferences are a little thrown off, though. On Tuesday, manager
Arne Slot spoke to the media about the match.
Today, on a Christmas Thursday, we get his matchday notes two days before the game kicks off and with the players having been given the day off to spend it with family—something that rarely if ever happens in English football and that for many players will be a first this year.
“Firstly, I would like to wish everyone who celebrates a very Happy Christmas,” Slot began. “I know what a special tradition football is at this time of year in England so it is a privilege to play a game in front of our own supporters, especially as it allows us to be together for one last time in 2025.
“It goes without saying that we would like to end the year on a high. In recent weeks we have made progress but it is also clear to us more than anyone that there are still areas for improvement. Our victory at Tottenham last weekend underlined this situation
“I was more than happy that we took three points, there were also parts of our game that were less than satisfying. This is not something I say to diminish optimism. It is important to be realistic so that we know how and where we need to get better as well as recognising the elements that are working well.”
The victory over Tottenham before Christmas was, as Slot acknowledges, less than impressive. Liverpool created little, were fortunate to be gifted their chances, and then watched as Spurs reckless play led to two sendings off that meant they ended the game with nine men on the pitch.
Despite that, the Reds collapsed late and nearly conspired to give away those three points in a game that ended up 2-1 in their favour. Still, in the midst of what has at times been a very difficult season, simply continuing to win games is certainly worth something.
With Christmas marking one of the times of the year so many families gather as well as a match against Wolves up next, there is also a renewed sense of remembrance for Diogo Jota, who played for Liverpool’s next opponents when he arrived in England.
“Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions but it is normal at this time of year to look back to everything that has happened,” Slot added. Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him.
“It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort—if that is even possible—but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace. The sense of loss will be particularly strong on Saturday, of course.
“It will be the first time that Diogo’s two English teams will meet since his tragic passing. Like us, Wolves were clearly very affected by the loss of such a special player and person so my thoughts continue to be with them also.”
