A lighthearted take from the Liverpool boss.
Liverpool edged Arsenal 1-0 on Matchday 3 of the Premier League in a game that saw several players forced off with fitness issues.
Arsenal’s William Saliba was the first casualty, hobbling off after just five minutes with a foot problem. Later in the match, Liverpool had to substitute Ibrahima Konaté in the 79th minute and new signing Florian Wirtz in the 89th.
At his post-match press conference, manager Arne Slot calmed fears, explaining both withdrawals were only due to cramp.
Speaking about Wirtz, the summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, Slot joked:
“After 85 minutes, I don’t think he realised it’s possible to cramp in so many areas at once — but that’s exactly what happened. Welcome to the Premier League! Welcome to this intensity, especially against an Arsenal side who press hard too.”
The Dutch coach’s comments suggest that Wirtz’s body is still getting used to the league’s physical demands. Fortunately, the issue was minor, and Slot’s humour served to lighten the mood.
On Konaté, Slot reassured:
“I think it was only cramp, so I don’t believe it’s anything serious
