Liverpool manager Arne Slot faced the media ahead of his side’s Champions League showdown with Real Madrid, as the Reds look to build on their 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. That result marked just Slot’s second win in eight games across all competitions, easing some of the pressure on the Dutchman.

Liverpool also beat Madrid 2-0 in their previous meeting and will hope for a repeat performance when the two sides meet again at Anfield.

‘A warm welcome’ for Alexander-Arnold

One of the biggest storylines heading into the tie is the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who left Liverpool for Real Madrid in a highly controversial summer move. Slot was asked about the former vice-captain’s return to Anfield.

“I can only tell you what reception he gets from me,” Slot said. “I have great memories of the player and the person — my vice-captain. I only have positive memories of working with him.

I watched him recently on television and it brought back only great memories of him in a Liverpool shirt. He will get a warm welcome from me — that’s for certain. As for the fans, we’ll see how they react.”

Team news

Slot also provided updates on the fitness of Alisson Becker, Jeremie Frimpong, and Alexander Isak.

“All three are not available tomorrow,” he confirmed. “Jeremie and Alisson will also miss Sunday’s game at Manchester City. As for Isak, we’ll have to wait and see. He definitely won’t start, but maybe he can make the squad — though he’s still not training.”

Focus firmly on Real, not Man City

With a huge Premier League clash against Manchester City coming up at the weekend, Slot was asked whether he would rotate his side. The manager made it clear his attention is on Madrid.

“Sunday’s game is not in my thinking when it comes to the line-up tomorrow,” he said. “There are four days in between, and we’ve had shorter turnarounds before. The line-up will have nothing to do with Sunday.

The good thing is we won on Saturday — it was about time we started winning again. Every game we play is a test. Real had injuries before and now they don’t, we’re a different team, and so are City. Every game now shows where we are.”

Backing for Wirtz

Slot also defended summer signing Florian Wirtz, who has registered three assists but is yet to score in 14 appearances since joining from Bayer Leverkusen.

“He’s played a lot this season, even if not every game recently,” Slot explained. “It’s not an excuse, but the Premier League is more intense, especially with so many top games close together.

He’s been unlucky with the end product at times, but he’s creating chances and contributing. He’ll score soon, I’m sure. He’s 22 and adapting to a new league — that takes time. Gravenberch was sitting here earlier and it took him a while to adjust too, maybe even longer than it’ll take Florian.”

Gravenberch’s shooting instincts

Slot ended his press conference by addressing Ryan Gravenberch’s goal against Aston Villa, which came via a deflection.

“I didn’t tell him to shoot more,” he smiled. “But he’s been getting into the box more often now. His main job is to help build attacks and protect the defence, but sometimes he can contribute offensively too. This week he had a bit of luck — and it paid off.”