Anfield will set the stage for a crucial showdown on Thursday night as Liverpool looks to overturn a one-goal deficit from their previous clash with Tottenham Hotspur. With a place at Wembley on the line, Arne Slot’s team is determined to deliver a strong performance and keep their silverware ambitions alive.
Reflecting on the January transfer window, Slot emphasized his confidence in the squad. He pointed out that Liverpool’s position in the league table validates their trust in the current group of players. While injuries have affected key figures like Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota, most of the squad is now available, apart from Trent Alexander-Arnold, who faces a short spell on the sidelines. Slot noted that unless a clear opportunity arises in the market, there’s no urgent need to make additions. The club recently took advantage of such an opportunity by bringing in a goalkeeper, even though he is not currently part of the squad.
Regarding preparations for the Tottenham match, Slot dismissed the idea of treating this fixture differently from any other. He stressed that wearing the Liverpool shirt comes with the responsibility of winning every game, regardless of the competition. Whether it’s a league match, a cup tie, or any other challenge, the expectation remains the same. He recalled how Liverpool nearly secured a result in the previous encounter with Spurs, only to be undone by a late goal after being reduced to 10 men. The objective remains unchanged—step onto the pitch and deliver a winning performance.
The long 29-day gap between the first and second legs could influence the dynamics of the match. If the two teams had met a week later, Tottenham’s injury crisis at the time might have given Liverpool an edge. However, Spurs have since strengthened their squad with three new signings, including a goalkeeper. The potential return of Micky van de Ven could further bolster their lineup, making the challenge even tougher. Slot acknowledged the quality of the opposition but expressed confidence that Liverpool has also improved since the first leg. Facing a team like Tottenham in a semi-final is never easy, but Liverpool is prepared to rise to the occasion.
When asked about the role of his center-forward, Slot highlighted the importance of versatility. He wants his No. 9 to be both a facilitator and a goal scorer. He referenced a recent penalty won by Cody Gakpo, where Luis Díaz, playing as a forward, created space without even touching the ball. Slot stressed that goals must come from multiple sources, including midfielders and even center-backs through set pieces. The focus remains on continuous improvement through training and tactical adjustments to ensure every attacking player contributes effectively.
Slot has already decided on his starting goalkeeper for the match, though neither Alisson Becker nor Caoimhin Kelleher has been informed yet. His next step after the media duties is to communicate his decision to them directly.
Discussing the challenges of squad selection, Slot expressed frustration with the Premier League’s rule limiting matchday squads to 20 players. In competitions like the Champions League, teams can bring 23 players, yet England, despite having one of the busiest schedules, sticks to a smaller squad limit. He argued that clubs involved in multiple competitions, such as Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, need larger squads to cope with the demands of the season. While nine substitutes are usually sufficient, the inability to include three additional players makes managing the squad more difficult. The toughest decision for a manager isn’t just selecting the starting eleven but also telling a player who trains hard every day that they won’t even be part of the matchday squad.
As Liverpool gears up for this pivotal encounter, the team’s mentality remains unchanged. The goal is simple—win at Anfield, overturn the deficit, and secure a place in the final. With the home crowd behind them and a squad eager to prove itself, Liverpool is ready for the challenge ahead.
