Liverpool's manager, Arne Slot, spoke to the press after the team's impressive win against Yokohama Marinos on Wednesday. The J-League side had taken an early lead, but Liverpool came back with goals from Florian Wirtz, Trey Nyoni, and Rio Ngumoha to secure a victory on their Asia tour.
Slot was asked about Ngumoha, who is considered one of the club's most exciting young talents. Ngumoha has been making a significant impact in the team's preseason games, and Slot praised his performance, saying, "We have a lot of very good players, but to get some from the academy is helpful. It gives us energy. There was a moment where he should've squared it so he can learn. But if you are 16 and you impact the game like he did, that's definitely a compliment."
Slot was also asked about the team's vice captain, following the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold. He revealed that the group has not yet decided on a new vice captain, but mentioned that he has a few players who embody the qualities of a leader. "The group doesn't know yet, I spoke to the one who is vice captain. Everyone likes leaders in the team, don't see it much in modern football but I have a few of them now. Always very helpful."
Slot emphasized that the team's focus is now on the upcoming season, and that they need to be ready to make new memories. He reflected on his own experience after winning the Premier League in his first season as manager, saying, "I had quite a long holiday for five or six weeks. I enjoyed winning the league for a very long time. The moment we started again, that was the moment we stopped thinking about it. Now there are no moments to enjoy what we did last season. We need to be ready."
Finally, Slot spoke about Wataru Endo's ovation from the crowd, who cheered on the Japanese international when he was introduced in the second half. Slot praised Endo, saying, "He deserved that more than everyone else for the role he played last season in us winning the league. How well he accepted his role, he was the best example. He was always there for the team. He totally deserved getting the armband today."