Slot says Liverpool prepared for 'difficult' December
Arne Slot said his Liverpool players are relishing the December fixture list that will see his side play six of its eight games away from Anfield in all competitions this month.
Liverpool makes the trip to St. James' Park on Thursday to face Newcastle, buoyed by its 2-0 win over Manchester City that put it nine points clear at the top of the table.
Slot has enjoyed a seamless transition since taking the reins at Anfield, winning 18 of his first 20 games in all competitions, while also averaging 2.67 points per game so far.
The Reds remain the only unbeaten side in the division away from home, winning five of their six games on the road, only dropping points against Arsenal in October.
Liverpool also has an impressive record at St. James' Park, winning five of its last six away league games against the Magpies, with its current streak of three its longest ever winning away run against Newcastle.
While Slot acknowledged the run of away games would be "difficult", he insisted that his players are ready for the challenge to keep their early-season momentum going.
"If Liverpool is [first, second, third or fourth], it is always a special game for the teams we face," Slot said. "If Liverpool fans come, the stadium is sold out, everybody wants to play us and everyone wants the best game against us, like they have against Arsenal, Man City and the others.
"The good thing is for me, it's not only us who play that many games. For example, we face Everton next. They've had a game during the week as well, so mostly, we are facing teams that are rested for a week because we played in the Champions League.
"I wasn't aware that six of the [next] nine are away, but now you tell me, it makes it even more difficult, but we're ready for it."
After the trip to Newcastle, Liverpool takes on Merseyside rival Everton at Goodison Park, before facing LaLiga side Girona in the Champions League at the Estadi Municipal de Montilivi.
The Reds' other games on the road include the Carabao Cup quarter-final tie at Southampton, along with trips to Tottenham and West Ham in the Premier League.
Slot was also able to provide an injury update on goalkeeper Alisson Becker, who has missed the last nine games in all competitions with a hamstring injury.
But in the Brazilian's absence, Caoimhin Kelleher has been a dependable replacement, keeping five clean sheets, including three consecutive in the Champions League.
Kelleher starred in Liverpool's win over Real Madrid by saving Kylian Mbappe's spot-kick. He has now saved three of his four penalties for the Reds in all competitions.
However, Slot has said that Alisson is set to return between the sticks at the end of the month.
"I think I have been clear a few weeks ago about what my position is about our goalkeepers, but we are just waiting for Alisson to be completely fit," he confirmed. "Caoimhin [Kelleher] is doing too well to put Alisson on goal if he's only 50 percent. That would not be good for Alisson and it would not be good for the team.
"He's getting there, it might take a few more extra days, but he's getting closer.
"Like I've always said, the end phase of a rehab is always the period where you feel like 'okay, is he really there or does he need extra days?'
"But he will be in goal before the end of December if things continue like they are now."
