Arne Slot predictably declined to comment on Liverpool’s remaining summer transfer business when questioned about Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi in his latest press conference on Thursday. The Reds face Newcastle at St. James’ Park on Monday night after weeks of speculation around Isak’s future.
Liverpool had a bid of £110million plus add-ons rejected for the centre-forward who has since publicly declared he wants to leave the Magpies. He claims Newcastle have broken promises made to him and is willing to never play for the club again. Ahead of facing the Swedish striker’s employers, Slot was asked about Isak and interest in Crystal Palace captain Guehi and said: “What I can tell you is not a lot.
“If somebody else is going to ask that question, it’s going to be the same answer. It’s been shown, I could impact the game on Friday with the players we had on the bench. Federico [Chiesa] came in and scored a goal, and it would be much nicer to talk about the players we have.
“I understand you have to ask this question but your superior probably told you, and I know what his answer is going to be.”
Isak will not play for Newcastle when Liverpool visit St. James’ Park but the atmosphere is expected to be particularly charged due to the ongoing transfer saga.
“It’s nothing to do with anything that’s in the media a lot, but I think if you go to Newcastle you know what to expect,” Slot commented.
“We played them three times last season, and twice their intensity levels were above us. In the away game, especially the first 60 minutes, they were so intense and full deserved the lead. In the League Cup final they were also more intense than us as well.
“Apart from the intensity, it’s a very good team. They also have a team that can make it a fight, but they also have players who are comfortable on the ball, so they are one of the best teams in the league.”
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is delighted to have Ryan Gravenberch available again for the Newcastle clash after the midfielder sat out the opening weekend win over Bournemouth due to suspension.
“If he’s the same player as he was last season, that could help us a lot,” Slot added. “If you look at the second goal we conceded against Bournemouth, I think Ryan would have been in that position [if he had been playing].
“With him not being there, and us playing with very good players but very attacking-minded players, that hurt us. And that one wasn’t the first time we allowed a counter-attack for another team. If he comes back at the same level, it will help us to have him back again.”