Arne Slot has firmly rejected solutions that Liverpool have merely benefited from luck with accidents throughout their profitable 2024/25 Premier League marketing campaign.
The Reds wrapped up the title with a commanding 5-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on April 27, ultimately ending on 84 factors, 10 forward of Arsenal. Nonetheless, claims about an injury-free path to glory don’t match the truth of what Slot’s squad has endured.
Liverpool’s harm scenario this season
Regardless of what some critics recommend, Liverpool have confronted real harm challenges all through the marketing campaign. Twelve completely different first-team gamers have hung out within the therapy room, lacking a mixed 117 video games throughout all competitions.
Alisson Becker endured a prolonged absence through the autumn months, whereas Diogo Jota has been significantly unlucky. Slot just lately confirmed that the 28-year-old “has been out for 3 or 4 months with no begin”, highlighting the extent of the Portuguese ahead’s harm issues.
Defensive accidents have additionally affected the squad considerably. Ibrahima Konate and Trent Alexander-Arnold each missed appreciable durations of the marketing campaign, whereas Joe Gomez has been absent since mid-February as a consequence of a hamstring drawback.
Alexis Mac Allister was dominated out for the ultimate fortnight of the season, with Slot explaining on Might 19: “Alexis won’t play for us this season anymore. He wants relaxation at this second in time to get better utterly and to be prepared for the beginning of subsequent season.”
(Picture by Dan Mullan/Getty Pictures)
Slot dismisses the “luck” narrative
When questioned about Liverpool’s supposed luck in comparison with injury-hit rivals Arsenal and Manchester Metropolis, Slot supplied a strong protection of his staff’s strategy to health and harm prevention.
The Dutchman mentioned: “Should you assume accidents are solely luck or unhealthy luck, then we’ve been fortunate, however we’ve tried to consider in the truth that we attempt to forestall them from a sure manner of working.”
Slot emphasised that Liverpool’s comparatively form harm report stems from systematic preparation relatively than likelihood, explaining: “In order that we don’t have many accidents, I don’t see that as luck. I see this as, to begin with, high professionals – our gamers do all the things to remain match. Second of all, nice amenities and nice employees.”
Restoration strategies on the coaching floor
Since relocating from Melwood to the AXA Coaching Centre in Kirkby throughout 2020, Liverpool have entry to complete restoration amenities together with hydrotherapy suites and devoted rehabilitation areas.
The medical employees use varied restoration strategies to assist gamers handle demanding schedules. Ice baths stay elementary, however fashionable approaches have expanded to incorporate focused remedies for particular muscle teams.
Athletes throughout sports activities have explored completely different restoration choices past conventional strategies. Some gamers coping with muscle soreness after coaching have integrated THC and CBD roll-on for ache aid after a exercise into their routines, with these merchandise providing potential anti-inflammatory advantages alongside customary rehabilitation protocols.
Comparability with rivals
Liverpool’s health report contrasts sharply with different high golf equipment this season. Manchester Metropolis have managed 19 completely different accidents, together with Rodri’s eight-month absence, whereas Arsenal have handled 20 separate considerations. Brighton have been worst affected, with 23 completely different gamers lacking time.
The distinction helps clarify various league positions. Whereas Man Metropolis sat outdoors the Champions League locations for a surprisingly giant portion of the marketing campaign, Liverpool’s capacity to maintain key gamers out there has been essential to their top-flight success.
Whether or not this strategy proves sustainable over a number of seasons stays to be seen, however the proof from the Reds’ title-winning marketing campaign means that systematic funding in restoration and harm prevention delivers actual aggressive benefits.
