Slot: We qualify for the first time in the Champions League, and we could have drawn Benfica like Barcelona

In an exclusive interview with the BBC on May 23, Liverpool coach Slot talked about topics such as being eliminated by Paris in the Champions League, how to manage Salah, and maintaining competitiveness.

Talk about the elimination of the Champions League by Paris

"In March, we were very unlucky. We did not have a winter break. From November to March, we played games, and we also interspersed with strong teams such as Real Madrid and Manchester City. After the intensive four-month schedule, we had to face a team with equal intensity, and they still had a winter break to adjust their state. I think it would be better if we could play with them again in April. But even more unfortunately, we ranked first in the Champions League stage. We could have drawn Benfica like Barcelona, ​​and then played Dortmund, but we finally drew Paris."

Talking about Arnold's departure

"I hope that all players who contribute to winning the league championship will receive the treatment they deserve, and each player has made great efforts for it, not only this season, but throughout their careers. They do this for themselves and for our fans. It would be wonderful if the moment of winning the championship can be a beautiful moment for everyone in the club, and Arnold is part of it, so I hope that such moments can have an impact on them, although they will also have their own opinions."

How much is involved in the renewal of Salah and Van Dijk?

"80% is done by the club, but they have always kept me up to date with the latest developments. I like this practice of others handling contract matters because in a league like this, you need to spend all your time preparing for the upcoming game. It's not difficult for me, nor for the players. If the players find it difficult, I'll spend a lot of time talking to them and help them prepare for the next game. But maybe because we want to work hard until the end of the Champions League and Premier League, it also helps the players stay focused and think we can achieve something special here. But for Salah and Van Dijk, the most special moment is not this year's renewal, but winning the league title, which is what they are after, not the contract, they have made enough money, at least that's what I think!"

Salah once said that the cooperation in the beginning was quite difficult? Until you had a candid conversation...

"I'm not stupid enough to say 'bad' to him all of a sudden, I think I'm smart enough. As a coach, if you want to convey your message, you have to do it the right way. So it's not just criticism, in this conversation I probably praised him 15 times before showing him how he should do it in preparation. During the preseason, he was mainly training with the youth players. I can even understand him thinking, 'Is this really necessary?' So the way to convey the message is where we can make a difference as coaches, maybe not the tactics themselves, because everyone has good tactics, the key is how you convey your tactics, do the players believe it? I think it's an aspect where the coaches can make an impact."

Talking about whether Liverpool needs to make big signings this summer like Manchester City Arsenal did. There is a problem with: 'A Are players with fewer chances willing to stay in a club where he can't play often? 'I always say that it's hard to sit on the bench for one season, and it's almost impossible to get enough playing time for two consecutive seasons. So it depends not only on my will, but also on the players' own will. "

Talk about staying competitive

" Manchester City may strengthen the roster again, and if the rumors are true, Arsenal has the same plan. Therefore, It would be stupid if we don't consider strengthening the team. But I mentioned it many times that it's not easy because we won the league title. It's not difficult to find players who can strengthen our strength because there are some players in the world - I think it would be very good if they can come. But not all players can come, so for those few players who are likely to join, we will try our best, but we are not sure if that can be achieved at the moment."