Arne Slot believes his young stars can lead the standard at Liverpool, insisting that the imminent exit of Mohamed Salah will not result in a drop in standards at the club. The Liverpool manager urged his young players to step up, using Paris Saint-Germain as an example of how youthful talents can set the tone.
Slot's Confidence in Youth
Slot said: "Senior players are not the only ones who set the standards at a club. If I look at Paris Saint-Germain: Desire Doue is 20, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is 25. Can they set standards for another generation or for a team? I don't know what time they are in the gym, by the way."
The Reds will see Mohamed Salah depart Anfield this summer. The Egyptian has been renowned for training and recovery standards throughout his time at Liverpool, often posting pictures of him doing ice baths late at night. Slot's side are in the midst of a rebuild and have seen a number of their stalwarts depart or prepare to leave. Andy Robertson is another man on his way out, Trent Alexander-Arnold left last summer, and goalkeeper Alisson is linked with a switch to Italy.
But the Liverpool boss is not concerned and believes that some of his younger players can step up, and used PSG as an example with the European champions often leaning on some of their youthful stars. He added: "And this is what Mo did when he was 26, this is what other players did when they were here. I don't think it comes down to ages that only 32 or 33-year-old players can set standards. They have lived experiences and know what it takes to play at this level."
Young Stars Ready to Shine
Slot continued: "But come on, we are not talking about Florian Wirtz or Hugo Ekitike or Alexander Isak and all these players we signed. They are not children, they are serious professionals that know what it takes to play at this level as well. They now know what it takes to play in the Premier League and Champions League at this level. It can only be better but it is not only down to 34-year-olds."
The Dutchman also said: "Standards are not only set by 34-year-olds. Standards can also be set by a 20-year-old, like Doue, or Salah who played for Liverpool when he was 26. That did not only start when he is what age he is now. It is not age related."
Summer signing Hugo Ekitike, the Frenchman only 23, has continued to produce in what has been a difficult season. The likes of Florian Wirtz have been less impressive, but skipper Virgil van Dijk will continue to be the team's psychological leader into next season.
