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After making a sensational start to life as Liverpool boss, Slot is keen to prove that he is different from his predecessor
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has dismissed concerns about his team’s ability to perform in early kick-offs, taking a subtle dig at former Reds boss Jurgen Klopp in the process.
Slot rejects kick off controversy
The Dutch manager, who has helped Liverpool move back to the top of the Premier League table this season, does not believe that playing at 12:30 pm will negatively affect his squad, pointing out that the real challenge comes from playing tough away games in the Premier League.
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Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace, Slot made it clear that he disagrees with Klopp's previous complaints about the fixture schedule, saying, "For me, it’s not about the 12:30 kick-off; it’s that every away game is difficult.
"If 12:30 pm was such a difficult time to perform, I must be a stupid manager because we train at 12 o’clock every day!"
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This remark is a clear contrast to Klopp’s well-known frustration with early fixtures, with the former Liverpool boss even joking earlier this year that scheduling the team for 12:30 pm games was a "crime."
Slot confident ahead of Crystal Palace clash
Despite an admittedly tough fixture against Crystal Palace coming up, Slot remains confident as his Liverpool side continue to impress, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League with five wins in six games.
Despite having played a midweek Champions League fixture, where they beat Bologna 2-0, Slot is determined not to use scheduling as an excuse and is focused on ensuring his team remains sharp as they face a Palace side yet to register a win this season.
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With Slot making history as the Liverpool manager with the best-ever start at the club, all eyes will be on whether his relaxed approach to early kick-offs will pay off this weekend against Crystal Palace.
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