New Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has set the rumour mill spinning after offering a cryptic update on the futures of defensive linchpins Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté.
Speaking in his first press conference since taking the Anfield helm, Slot addressed the intense speculation surrounding his star centre-backs, carefully navigating questions about their long-term commitments to the club.
Konaté's Post-Euro 2024 Return in Focus
The Dutch manager confirmed that Ibrahima Konaté, currently on international duty with France at the European Championship, will be granted a complete break after the tournament concludes.
"Ibrahim is still playing at the Euros," Slot stated. "It's fantastic for him, for the club, and for the nation. But he will need some holiday after the tournament. He's had a long season and will require a proper rest before we can integrate him back into the squad."
Van Dijk's Contract Situation Looms Large
All eyes remain on club captain Virgil van Dijk, who enters the final year of his current contract this summer. The 33-year-old's future has become a subject of intense debate among fans and pundits alike.
Slot remained tactically evasive when pressed on contract talks, suggesting the matter would be handled internally. "These are discussions we will have, of course," he remarked, without divulging any timeline for resolution.
A New Era Begins at Anfield
The press conference marked Slot's official introduction as Jürgen Klopp's successor, a role he acknowledges comes with immense expectation. How he manages the transition of key defensive personnel will be one of his first major tests.
With the Premier League season fast approaching, Liverpool supporters will be watching closely to see if their defensive stalwarts remain the bedrock of Slot's new project or if significant changes are on the horizon.
