Arne Slot has seen “new issues” from Joe Gomez in current weeks and has praised the centre-back’s work ethic amid ideas he might depart Liverpool.
Gomez has been tipped to depart Anfield after falling behind Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konata and Jarell Quansah within the pecking order within the coronary heart of defence.
He made 32 Premier League appearances all through Jurgen Klopp’s last season in cost in 2023-24, but 15 of these got here from the bench and he was typically fielded at full-back when the Reds endured damage issues.
Gomez was not noted by Slot as his reign started with a 2-0 win at Ipswich City final week, having been linked with a transfer to Aston Villa or Newcastle United.
Nevertheless, talking forward of Sunday’s conflict with Brentford, Slot hinted Gomez might be concerned and praised his strategy to coaching.
“He’s been in the suitable place for 3 weeks. He’s labored actually onerous since he got here again,” the Dutchman informed reporters.
“He didn’t play so much within the Euros, we needed to handle his load, that’s why he wasn’t within the staff final week.
“This week he had week by way of load. He’s one of many gamers I see new issues from.”
In Gomez’s absence, Quansah partnered Van Dijk at Portman Street however was changed by Konate at half-time, with Slot later explaining that change had been made so as to win extra duels.
Liverpool received simply 41.5% of duels within the first half as Ipswich produced an brisk show, with that determine creeping as much as 54.5% after Konate changed Quansah.
Requested how Quansah reacted to his withdrawal, Slot stated: “In a means you’ll anticipate a participant to react. I spoke to him instantly after the sport.
“On the finish of that dialog he requested if he might prepare on Sunday. So he ought to have performed restoration, he needed to coach.
“Sadly, I feel on Tuesday, he picked up a little bit of an damage, so he couldn’t prepare on Wednesday, we’ll see if he can prepare at the moment.
“He reacted in a means that each participant ought to react. I don’t suppose there was that a lot in it, although.
“Possibly the language was an issue, what I stated was that he didn’t lose each duel, however he misplaced one or two vital ones, one in every of them simply earlier than half-time.
“From what’s been stated to me, it seems like what I stated was that he misplaced each duel.”