Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, has confirmed that Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was unsuccessful because the midfielder refused to switch to the English Premier League. The coach clarified the situation on Friday when he appeared before the media before his team’s Premier League opener against Ipswich Town. The coach will take charge of his first Premier League game during the weekend.
The new Liverpool coach stated that the Real Sociedad midfielder turned down the contract offer after several efforts from the Liverpool hierarchy. The midfielder was a an individual to strengthen the team in the middle for the upcoming season.
Explaining the situation, he stated that the team was in a very good position and the cure was strong enough to compete. He noted that with the current strength of the team, it was a difficult situation to find an individual who would be suitable and also be able to help the team. He established that Zubimendi was seen as a great addition to the team, but he decided not to join due to personal reasons; he further noted that the team will continue to go as the player had outstanding individual performances during the preseason.
He further mentioned that despite the strength of the team presently, the sporting director, Richard, who is working behind the scenes, was putting in concrete efforts to make additions to the teams. He explained that the efforts made by the sporting director could not go unnoticed, as he did everything to bring the midfielder in, but he has decided not to come, he said.
The new coach appreciated the efforts of the former coach, Jurgen Klopp. He explained that the team was in a good position before he left, and the team will continue to build from where the former coach has left it. He noted that the team has been able to stick together despite the exit of players like Thiago, Joel Matip, and Adrian. The coach also expressed his gladness that the players in the team have stuck with the club without any of them leaving for a new one.
He noted that the current achieved success last season when they won a trough, which was a good outcome. He said that the team is also working towards achieving great success this season by winning a trophy; he further recognised that elite teams in the league have added qualities to their team, which will make the situation more complicated.
Liverpool will be going into the season without a new addition to the team. Supporters on social media have continued to voice their frustration with the board’s decision to start the new campaign with a new signing for the team. The coach explained that new signings are not always the best way to help the team succeed. He went on to state that not signing new players does not make the team weaker.
He explained that the team’s primary focus remains on the game with Ipswich but noted that he is working with the sporting director to improve the team once a good player is found. He again expressed his frustration with the team’s failure to secure Martin Zubimendi’s signing.
Liverpool will play Ipswich Town on Saturday at 12:30 PM. It will be the first Premier League game for the two coaches, who have both just arrived in the league.
