Slot: Suspension Won’t Hinder Impact Against Southampton

Liverpool manager Arne Slot won’t be on the touchline for Wednesday’s League Cup quarter-final against Southampton, but the Dutchman insists his suspension won’t affect his ability to guide the team.

Slot will serve a touchline ban after receiving his third yellow card of the season during Liverpool’s 2–2 draw with Fulham in the Premier League last Saturday.

Speaking ahead of the match at St. Mary’s Stadium, Slot said: “In the Netherlands, a suspension means you can’t be in or around the dressing rooms or talk to the media. This is a lighter version of a suspension.”

He added: “I wouldn’t say I’m used to it, but it’s the first time I’ve been suspended. I can still do the things I want to do. Your least impact on the team is during the game; your biggest influence is at half-time and before the match.”

Liverpool, the League Cup holders, have started the season strongly and currently lead the Premier League and Champions League groups.

Slot said: “This also happened last season when the club won this competition. So, I’m not surprised by the quality we have, which allows us to compete for these trophies now and for the fourth trophy (FA Cup) starting in January.”

Liverpool will face a struggling Southampton side, who recently sacked manager Russell Martin after a 5–0 home defeat to Tottenham, leaving them bottom of the Premier League table.

Simon Rusk, Southampton’s U21 coach, is expected to take charge of the match.

Slot concluded: “It’s hard to predict what will happen in terms of tactics and line-ups, but we know we’re playing away against Southampton and eleven players.”