Arne Slot hinted at new additions to Liverpool's squad in the summer as he spoke of the benefit of bringing "new energy" to the group.
The Reds have largely kept their powder dry in the transfer market since Slot's arrival, with Federico Chiesa and Giorgi Mamardashvili the only additions made on the Dutchman's watch. Liverpool secured the services of Virgil van Dijk for another two seasons this week, and comments the defender made as his new contract was announced suggested he expects to have some new teammates next season.
"It’s going to be a very difficult Premier League season what’s waiting for us next year, because everyone will try to improve, will get new additions, like we should as well," Van Dijk said.
Van Dijk's comments were put to Slot during a press conference on Friday morning, and Slot suggested the Reds have already made strides ahead of next season by securing the services of Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah.
"At Liverpool there is always a big summer," Slot said. "It's already a big summer now. Maybe the players don't follow everything that's said in the media, me neither, but what I do know from sitting here all the time that it was a big thing — 'can we hold on to them, can we hold on to them?' And by holding on to Van Dijk and Salah, it's already a big summer.
"Let's see what the rest of the summer will bring. It would be strange now for me to say that we are not happy with the team that we have, because I've said that for a year. We are happy with the team we have, so maybe if we can keep that team it would already be a big summer."
When it was put to Slot that standing still often means going backwards, in regards to Liverpool potentially keeping the same squad for next season, Slot responded: "We showed the opposite last season, because we didn't change anything and I don't think we went downwards. In general, I agree with you, but the longer a team plays together, the more success it has.
"The core of the team you want to keep together as long as possible, as long as they are performing in the best way. It is also good in general to have new energy in and around the place with one or two new players — that I agree on. but it isn't really a necessity if you look at the quality of the players we have and the quality of the season we've had."
