Arne Slot Admits Liverpool Fitness Has Not Been at the Levels Required

Liverpool FC manager Arne Slot has candidly acknowledged that the team's fitness levels earlier in the season fell short of what was needed, pinpointing this as a primary factor behind their recent resurgence. Speaking ahead of a crucial Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, Slot highlighted two key improvements driving Liverpool's upturn: enhanced physical conditioning and better set-piece execution[1][3].

The Reds, currently sixth in the table and just three points shy of the top four, have won five of their last seven matches across all competitions, with their only 2026 defeats coming in stoppage-time heartbreakers against Bournemouth and Manchester City. Slot reflected on those games positively, noting Liverpool's dominance despite the late concessions: "We had total control with dominance, we had a lot of chances," he said, even including the Bournemouth loss in his assessment of progress[1][3].

"We've improved compared to three or four months ago... We're in a much better place now," Slot added, emphasizing, "The most simple two [reasons] are how fit we are now compared with three or four months ago, and the second one is that we are much better in set-pieces at the moment."[1][3] This admission underscores a stark contrast to earlier struggles, where fitness issues hampered pressing effectiveness, as Slot previously noted[4].

Momentum has built since the City defeat, with landmark victories including the first league win at the Stadium of Light this season and a convincing 3-0 FA Cup triumph over Brighton, securing a fifth-round spot. Slot also provided a positive injury update on striker Alexander Isak, sidelined since a December fibula fracture against Tottenham. The Swedish forward could return before the March international break, though Slot cautioned about potential setbacks[1][3].

With defender Joe Gomez nearing full fitness, Slot faces selection dilemmas amid a midfield logjam, signaling a return to stability as the business end of the season looms[5]. This fitness turnaround positions Liverpool strongly for their Forest trip and beyond.

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