Arne Slot explains why he dropped Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for Liverpool v Everton

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Search Liverpool boss Arne Slot has explained his decision to drop Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz for the Merseyside derby against Everton.

Arne Slot speaking before Liverpool's game with Everton (Image: TNT Sports.)

Arne Slot revealed that Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz were relegated to the bench against Everton as part of managing a packed fixture list.

The Reds faced a rapid turnaround following that encounter, with Everton arriving for the opening fixture of the Premier League weekend.

Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT

Related articles Marc Guehi makes huge Liverpool U-turn and ready to join a different club Federico Chiesa handed Liverpool exit route after being left of squad vs Everton

Slot has shuffled his squad, most significantly omitting Isak and Wirtz from his starting XI.

Isak, a £125million acquisition from Newcastle, made his debut in midweek, whilst Wirtz has appeared in every match to kick off the season.

Speaking ahead of the Merseyside clash, the Anfield chief acknowledged that the congested week influenced his selections.

He explained: "We needed players that were going to be ready for this game and going to be fit enough for the intensity of the game from the start.

It was good to see him play for an hour in midweek, let's see how many minutes he can make today."

Wirtz hasn't managed a goal contribution since the Community Shield, with Slot previously calling for patience with the £116m summer acquisition.

Trending

He disclosed that the German is still adjusting to Premier League life, with the physical presence of Dominik Szoboszlai being favoured instead.

Slot said: "The same thinking as [Alexis] Mac Allister on the bench against Atletico.

This is one of the most intense games that we have to play, so we try to manage it during Burnley and Atletico.

"For today I think [Dominik] Szoboszlai, who played both of those games as well, is more used to the intensity of the Premier League and this programme than Florian is coming from Germany.

Read our Privacy Policy

Related articles Arne Slot makes Mohamed Salah admission as Liverpool's £86m target opens up Liverpool dressing room left 'tired' over Alexander Isak - 'Not happy'

Liverpool FC Arne Slot Everton FC