Liverpool prepared for ‘difficult’ December away games, insists Slot

Arne Slot said his Liverpool players are enjoying the December fixture list, which will see his side play six of eight matches away from Anfield in all competitions this month.

Liverpool make the trip to St. James' Park to take on Newcastle on Wednesday, buoyed by their 2-0 win over Manchester City which has moved them nine points clear at the top of the table.

Slot has had a seamless transition since taking charge at Anfield. He has won 18 of his first 20 games in all competitions, while also averaging 2.67 points per game so far.

The Reds remain the only undefeated team in the away-from-home division. They won five of their six games on the road, only dropping points against Arsenal in October.

Liverpool also have an impressive record at St. James' Park, winning five of their last six away games against the Magpies, with their current run of three their longest ever winning away game against them.

While Slot acknowledged that their series of away games would be “difficult”, he stressed that his players are up for the challenge of keeping the early season momentum going.

“If that's Liverpool [first, second, third or fourth]“It's always a special game for the teams we face,” Slot said. When Liverpool fans come, the stadium is sold out, everyone wants to play against us and everyone wants the best game against us, like they did against Arsenal and Man City. and the others.

“The good thing for me is that it's not just us who play so many games. For example, we face Everton. They also played a game during the week, so usually we are dealing with teams that have had a rest for a while.” week because we were playing in the Champions League.

'I didn't know that six of the [next] There are still nine left, but now that you tell me, it makes it even harder, but we are ready.”

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The Reds are on their way to take on Newcastle United at St James' Park pic.twitter.com/1cJia0wkBa

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 3, 2024

Slot was also able to provide an injury update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has missed the last nine games in all competitions with a hamstring injury.

But in the Brazilian's absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has been a reliable substitute, keeping five clean sheets, including three in a row in the Champions League.

Kelleher played a starring role in Liverpool's win over Real Madrid by saving Kylian Mbappe's penalty. He has now saved three of his four penalties for the Reds in all competitions.

However, Slot has said that Alisson will return between the sticks at the end of this month.

“I think I was clear about my position on our goalkeepers a few weeks ago, but we'll just wait until Alisson is fully fit,” Slot said.

“Caoimhin [Kelleher] does too well to put Alisson on goal when he is only 50%. That wouldn't be good for Alisson and not good for the team.

“He's coming, it may take a few more days, but he's getting closer.

“As I've always said, the end stages of rehab are always when you think, 'Okay, is he really there or does he need extra days?'

“But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue as they are now.”