Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot, has emphasized the importance of retaining the current squad over pursuing major signings, as the Reds close in on a potential Premier League title triumph.
With Liverpool 13 points ahead at the top of the table and just two wins away from sealing the title, Slot is confident in the strength and cohesion of his team.
The Dutchman’s first season at Anfield has seen minimal transfer activity, with only Federico Chiesa arriving and playing a limited role.
However, recent contract renewals by Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have bolstered Liverpool’s plans for the upcoming season.
Despite reports linking Trent Alexander-Arnold to a free transfer move to Real Madrid when his contract ends, Slot remains hopeful.
“Let’s see what the rest of the summer will bring but it would be strange for me to say now I am not happy with the team because I’ve said this for a year, we are happy with the team we are having,” Slot stated on April 18.
“Maybe if we can keep that team it will already be a big summer.
“I think the core of the team you want to keep as long as you can together, as long as they are performing in the best possible way, but it is also in general good to have some new energy in and around the place with one or two players.
“But it isn’t really a necessity when you look at the quality we have and the quality of the season we have had.”
Liverpool’s next test comes on April 20, when they travel to face struggling Leicester City.
A victory for the Reds, combined with an Arsenal loss to Ipswich Town, could see them crowned champions that day.
Alexander-Arnold is set to return after recovering from an ankle injury, and Slot lauded the England international’s influence.
“The moment he is on the pitch, he shows me what a great player he is and he has showed how hard he is trying to achieve our goals this season,” said Slot.
“The fans and everyone who watched football for the last five, six, seven years knows he is an incredible full-back and has been an incredible full-back for this football club.
“Let’s see what the future brings.”
While excitement builds among supporters, Slot is focused purely on the task at hand.
“I don’t look back or forward a lot… People tell you to enjoy, but as a manager you think of the game at the weekend and you need to win that and then the next.”
As Liverpool chase the title, their opponents Leicester are battling despair. The Foxes, now 17 points from safety with only four points gained in their last 17 games, are staring relegation in the face.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, overseeing a torrid campaign since taking over, insists the remaining games still matter.
“We have been in these (relegation) circumstances for a long time now,” Van Nistelrooy admitted.
“It’s not about it being mathematically done, but us showing ourselves for every minute that we are in this league. It’s not a matter of stopping when it’s mathematically done, because it’s bigger than that here.
“It’s about shaping a future here, that’s what’s important. We’re going to keep going anyway, and these four or five weeks will be huge.”
Leicester could receive a boost with Wout Faes and Jeremy Monga both returning to full training and potentially in line for selection this weekend.
