Liverpool’s start to the 2024-2025 Premier League season has been nothing short of flawless. With three wins from three games and no goals conceded, the team is in top form, closely trailing defending champions Manchester City. At the heart of this success is Mohamed Salah, who has scored in every game, contributing significantly to the Reds’ perfect record.
Amidst ongoing contract negotiations involving key players like Salah, captain Virgil van Dijk, and right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold—all of whom are in the final year of their deals—Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, is maintaining a composed approach. Despite the potential distraction of contract talks, Slot has ensured that the team’s focus remains firmly on the pitch.
In a recent press conference, Slot addressed the contract situation, emphasizing that the club does not dwell on these matters unless a new deal is announced. “I’m fully focused on the individuals and the team,” Slot remarked. “They are part of the team and trying to work with them in the best possible way to get the best out of them. So it’s not a distraction for me at all.”
Slot, who succeeded Jurgen Klopp, has made an impressive start, becoming the first manager to win his first three Premier League games without conceding a goal since Sven-Goran Eriksson did so with Manchester City in 2007. He attributes this defensive solidity to a collective effort rather than individual brilliance. “It’s not the defense who keeps a clean sheet; it’s 11 players who keep a clean sheet,” Slot explained. “We try to convince them constantly about this because, in an ideal world, we don’t need [goalkeeper] Alisson. It’s a team performance that we don’t concede, and that has a lot to do with us putting in a lot of work without the ball.”
The busy schedule ahead poses a new challenge, with Liverpool set to play seven games in the next three weeks. Their next fixture will see them face Inter Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. Slot acknowledged the demanding fixture list and the impact of the international break, which saw many Liverpool players logging significant minutes for their national teams.
“Maybe in the future, I sometimes would love it to be a bit different,” Slot said. “It’s a positive thing that we are in such a good place that we have 10 players that can play every minute for the national team. It says a lot about the quality we have.”
Salah recently celebrated his 100th cap for Egypt with a goal in a 4-0 victory over Botswana during an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. In the Premier League this season, Salah has been in exceptional form, being the only player to score three goals and provide three assists so far.
However, Liverpool has been dealt a setback with the news that Harvey Elliott will be sidelined for several weeks due to a foot fracture. Slot acknowledged the impact of this injury, stating, “He would have had a lot of playing time in the upcoming fixtures. It’s a blow for both the team and the midfielder.”
As Liverpool continues their campaign with a perfect record and key players in the final year of their contracts, Slot’s ability to keep the team focused and perform at the highest level will be crucial. The Reds are poised for an exciting season, with Salah leading the charge and the team’s defensive solidity setting a strong foundation for their ambitions.
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