Liverpool boss **Arne Slot** has provided a detailed explanation for his surprising decision to leave both **Alexander Isak** and **Florian Wirtz** on the bench during the Reds’ derby victory over **Everton**.
Many fans expected the high-profile duo to start, but Slot revealed his reasoning was based purely on **fitness, intensity, and scheduling**.
*On Alexander Isak**
> *“We needed players that were going to be ready for this game and fit enough for the intensity from the start. That’s what we tried to do with every line-up against Burnley and Atletico to be ready for this game.”*
Slot admitted that while no player enjoys being left out, even Isak himself might now agree it was the right call.
> *“I wouldn’t be surprised if you ask him today that he would say it’s the best choice for him not to start. Of course it is about match fitness. It was good to see him play for an hour in midweek.”*
**On Florian Wirtz**
The manager also highlighted the adjustment period for **Wirtz**, who arrived from the Bundesliga this summer.
> *“This is one of the most intense games we have to play, so we try to manage it during Burnley and Atletico. I think Szoboszlai is more used to the intensity of the Premier League and this programme than Florian is coming from Germany. So it’s only to do with so many games in limited time. I think he will feature, but not from the start.”*
**The Bigger Picture**
With Liverpool juggling the Premier League and European fixtures, Slot is clearly focused on **managing player load** to avoid injuries while keeping the squad sharp for key games ahead.
The derby win proved that his bold selection choices were justified — but fans will be eager to see both Isak and Wirtz back in the starting XI soon.
