Press Conference Breakdown: What Slot and Farke Said Ahead of Leeds vs Liverpool

As Leeds United and Liverpool prepare for a pivotal Premier League clash at Elland Road, both managers faced the media on Friday with contrasting moods but a shared acknowledgment of the immense pressure surrounding this fixture.

On one side stands Arne Slot, trying to re-energise a Liverpool team struggling to find its rhythm. On the other is Daniel Farke, buoyed by a stunning midweek win over Chelsea and a growing belief that his side can cause another upset.

Here’s what the two coaches had to say — and what it tells us ahead of Saturday’s game.

Slot: Searching for Spark, Stability and Goals

Slot’s tone at the AXA Training Centre was calm but undeniably weary. Liverpool’s inconsistent form has left the Dutchman fielding questions not about title ambitions, but about confidence, identity, and whether his key players can fire again.

On Mohamed Salah’s Starting Role

Salah’s benching against West Ham and Sunderland drew plenty of attention, but Slot insisted he remains firmly in his first-team plans:

“Every player is in my mind to start… Mo has been such an exceptional player for us.”

Salah’s return to the XI appears likely — but not guaranteed. Slot made it clear that reputation no longer guarantees minutes.

On the Challenge Leeds Present

Slot highlighted Leeds’ tactical unpredictability and their physical approach:

“They were really aggressive… very difficult to play against. That playing style is difficult for many teams — including us.”

The Liverpool manager referenced Leeds’ resilience against Manchester City and their explosive win over Chelsea, warning his players that they must match Leeds’ intensity from the first whistle.

On Florian Wirtz’s Confidence

Slot was keen to shift the narrative away from goalscoring when discussing Wirtz:

“You can see where his confidence is by how often he wants the ball.”

He praised Wirtz’s creativity and his desire to influence games, describing him as one of the few players who “kept trying” in the draw against Sunderland.

On Dominik Szoboszlai’s Position

Slot confirmed that long-term, Szoboszlai will be used centrally, but admitted injuries have forced him to play multiple roles:

“He did well in every position… for the mid and long term, and maybe even short term, we will play him in the middle.”

Expect Szoboszlai to drift inside often, regardless of where he starts.

On Alexander Isak’s Lack of Involvement

With Isak averaging only 14 touches per game in his last three league starts, Slot rejected the idea that volume equals quality:

“It’s more important to touch the ball at the right moment. Haaland doesn’t touch it 100 times either.”

But he did concede Liverpool must create more for their record signing:

“One of the things on my list to improve is getting our No.9 more involved.”

Farke: Confidence Rising as Leeds Smell Opportunity

At Thorp Arch, Daniel Farke cut a far more upbeat figure.

After a stirring comeback against Manchester City and a convincing win over Chelsea, Leeds are emerging from a brutal run of fixtures with renewed belief. The manager urged caution — but the optimism was unmistakable.

On Facing Liverpool

Farke showed respect for the reigning champions, but did not shy away from the opportunity:

“They are a world-class side… but we need Elland Road at full voice to give ourselves a chance.”

Given Liverpool’s poor away record — seven defeats in their last eleven — Leeds will fancy precisely that.

On Team News and Striker Injuries

Both Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha are doubtful, but Farke insisted late decisions would be made. He acknowledged the physical toll of three games in eight days:

“The loads were unbelievable… we need the whole squad.”

On Wing-Backs and System Flexibility

Farke emphasised the importance of Bogle and Gudmundsson in his 3-5-2, but noted changes could still happen:

“It’s never guaranteed… but if they play like they did last night, it’s very likely.”

His repeated message: Leeds’ system will be shaped by fitness as much as tactics.

On Possession vs Reality

After Leeds beat Chelsea despite having just 28.6% possession, Farke dismissed the obsession with ball dominance:

“I’m not addicted to the possession statistic… in this league we don’t have the best individual quality.”

It was an honest assessment — and a declaration that Leeds will not be lured into playing Liverpool at their own game.

On Salah’s Threat

Farke presented a realistic warning to his players:

“A world-class player with world-class numbers… after a spell like this, it’s more likely he hits back.”

Leeds will expect Salah to come out swinging.

A Clash of Teams at Different Emotional Angles

Slot’s Liverpool are searching for stability, identity and confidence.
Farke’s Leeds are discovering energy, resilience and belief.

Liverpool need this result to steady their season.
Leeds need it to lift themselves out of danger.

What both managers made clear, in very different ways, is this:

Elland Road will be a battle of intensity — and whoever controls the emotion may control the match.