Slot said Wirtz is expected back from injury next week and that managing Jeremie Frimpong’s minutes will be key as Liverpool play three games in seven days. He added that keeping players fit while recognising the importance of each match is a delicate balance.
Slot praised Gakpo’s goal, noting it gave the team a comfortable cushion and that the striker’s confidence remains intact, though he has made different decisions recently. He criticised VAR for inconsistent rulings, citing a red card for Maxence Lacroix and a missed penalty for Marc Guehi as examples of the system’s unpredictability.