Slotte: Liverpool s central defender is no problem and I m happy to retain the player who renewed the contract last season

reported a friendly match in Hong Kong, China on July 27, Liverpool lost to Milan 2-4. At the post-match press conference, Reds coach Slot expressed his views on related topics.

Regarding the team's performance throughout the game, I have seen some good aspects, but we also need to improve in some aspects. Today we have been counterattacked by our opponents too many times, which may also be related to our lack of seven main players. We wanted 20 players to have playing time, which resulted in many players not playing familiar positions. Despite this, we were able to perform normally, but our door was opened when the opponent counterattacked.

Regarding whether Liverpool needs to strengthen the central defender position

Look at my left (Van Dijk), I don't think we have any problems with the central defender position! From the depth of the lineup, Heraffenberg showed today that he could do this position, and he also played in the centre-back last season, although we all prefer to let him play No. 6. In addition, Endo Kazuki can also play as a central defender. Joe Gomez was just a minor injury, he performed well last season and we still have enough options. However, after Kanssa left, we have not found a replacement.

The reason why Louis Diaz and Nunes did not appear

For Diaz's situation, it is indeed because there are many rumors about him recently. He trained well, but we decided not to let him play for the time being. As for Nunez, he also trained well and has played a few good goals for us this season. But he was injured and we didn't want to take risks. It's a similar situation for Endo Katsu, who has been in training all week, but we don't want to take risks either. This is part of the preseason, and players need to gradually return to play form, sometimes it’s a delicate balance. In this case, we think it would be wise to have Nunes and Endo rest today, but I think they will be in the next game in Japan.

Regarding whether to talk to Dias

Yes, but I often talk to most players. As I said, Diaz trains well, but we decided not to let him play for the game at this time. I can't comment on this.

Regarding whether Diaz wants to leave

I am not the one you should ask this question.

The decision to appoint a new vice captain and whether there was a discussion

Yes, we talk a lot more than you thought, but that's not to say there is a vacant position. Arnold did leave the club, but Van Dijk and him had already received help from others last season, and I think there is enough leadership in the team at the moment. The candidate for the new vice captain may have been decided, but I won't announce it here. Obviously, we have multiple players who can compete in this role.

About Liverpool's support in Hong Kong, China

No matter where we go, whether in the United States last year, in Anfield, away games, or in Hong Kong, China, we can feel the great support and love of the fans. This is the case today, even when we were training on the court two days ago. I don't think there are many clubs that will train with 25,000 people watching. This illustrates the importance of our clubs and fans. We are happy to be here because it is also a great experience for new players to see what this club means globally, not just in Anfield.

On the overall view of Hong Kong, China

My main range of activities is training grounds and hotels, and there are also places to eat, but we were warmly welcomed. The hotel we stayed in was great and the training facilities were great. Of course, the weather is a little hotter than we are used to at Liverpool, but it can sometimes be very hot in Europe. So far, everything we've experienced is good except for today's match results. Most of the players remain healthy, and we have also received a lot of help and support from the people of Hong Kong, China.

About hearing fans sing their own names in the stadium

Generally speaking, it always feels strange if the fans sing for you, especially as a head coach. If you are a player, you may get used to it a little. Of course, the premise is that you perform well! Most coaches are often because the team is not performing well when fans sing for them. Klopp did a good job a year ago and it was also good to hear this sound, but my main focus was on the game itself. I prefer to enjoy the game in front of me rather than the singing behind me, but sometimes both can happen at the same time, and that is the ideal world.

Regarding Liverpool's work in the transfer window, I am very satisfied with our current roster, which is why we did not introduce new players last season. Now, we have won the league title, but you can see that the teams around you are working hard to strengthen the roster. If we don’t make any changes like last year, we may not be able to win the championship again, so we have to improve. The existing players need to improve, and we are also trying to introduce new energy and "weapons". The new players have shown their strength in training and games, so let's see how Ekitic performs. I am very happy with the work I have done so far and happy that we are keeping the players who renewed last season.