Speaking to the press ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle on Monday night, Liverpool head coach pointed out the challenge the Magpies offered last season — which cost Liverpool silverware:
“I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect. We played them three times last season and twice their intensity levels were above ours. In the away game, especially in the first 60 minutes, they were so, so, so intense and fully deserved to have the lead.
“In the League Cup final, they were more intense
than us as well. So, I don’t think they need anything to add for them to be intense if they play at St. James’ Park.
“Apart from the intensity, it’s a very good team, they have also a team that can make it a fight if you want to call it like this, they have players for this but they also have players that are so comfortable on the ball. So, one of the best teams in the league and one of the most difficult away games you can have in the season, especially as you say here, ‘under the lights’.”
Slot did not engage in any chat about transfer drama unsettling or challenging Newcastle:
“I don’t think they are a club with troubles. They had a very good start to the season against [Aston] Villa, a good game for them. I think they were able to get more out of the game than the one point they got. So, it’s mainly difficult because of the players they have there – not only because of the fans but the atmosphere is great, like it is at Anfield. So, we are used to a certain environment but St. James’ Park, if I just remember last season when it was an evening game as well, by the way, the atmosphere was amazing and it will be the same.
“But why the atmosphere is amazing [is] because the players can perform, they can add to the atmosphere by being as intense as they were, bringing the quality as they brought in that game. So, that’s going to be the challenge. The challenge is also playing in a stadium where the fans will be there for the home team, and that always helps every home team. I can tell you about us, so the last 15 to 20 minutes at Anfield, it wasn’t a coincidence that we scored twice because the fans helped us in that moment of time.
“But if you only have fans and you don’t have the players then you can forget it. The main thing we have to be ready for are their midfielders, their last line, their three forwards, although I assume – I’m not sure but I assume – [Alexander] Isak is not playing from what I read in the media. But they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine, they still have [Anthony] Elanga as a right-winger and [Harvey] Barnes from the left, and then Jacob Murphy isn’t even playing, who was very good against us twice last season. This is the Premier League, we all have a lot of options and Newcastle have them as well.“
