“If you don’t strengthen you become weaker?” - Arne Slot hits out at critics calling out Liverpool for lack of new signings

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has lashed out at critics who recently questioned the club's lack of new signings. He discussed the situation in his pre-match press conference ahead of his first competitive game as the Reds' head coach. They are set to face newly promoted side Ipswich Town this weekend (August 17).

This comes after the Merseyside giants have been unable to complete a signing so far this summer. They recently made a push for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and were reportedly prepared to pay his €60 million release clause. However, he eventually opted against the move, choosing instead to continue his career with Sociedad (via GOAL).

The Reds have since been criticized for their inability to get players in, with Zubimendi being a notable example. Slot responded to the criticisms, as he said in his press conference (via Liverpool Echo):

"That argument I don't understand. If you don't strengthen you become weaker? We stay the same. I truly believe you can help on the training ground and improve. It has helped players to improve here. If others clubs strengthen they become better but it's not always true new players make you stronger."

"Every player in the team needs perspective on playing time. If you keep bringing in players the energy goes down. Me and Richard are trying to strengthen, if we think we have found someone, we try to bring him. Unfortunately the one we found (Zubimendi) said no," he added.

Arne Slot will hope that his side can get the players he needs in their respective positions, despite being snubbed by Zubimendi. The head coach will also be hoping for a successful time at the club, joining them after former manager Jurgen Klopp decided to leave Anfield.

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Pundit gives reason for Martin Zubimendi's Liverpool snub

Manchester United legend and pundit Gary Neville has spoken about Martin Zubimendi's decision to stick with Real Sociedad and snub a deal from Liverpool. The 25-year-old seemed all set to sign with the club but changed his mind at the last moment.

Neville has given a reason for why this might have happened. The former player revealed on Stick to Football that a move to Barcelona or Real Madrid could be on the cards for Zubimendi (via SPORTbible):

"There's no way, we have been there at different levels, he's definitely said yes to them and then changed his mind. I never trust Barcelona and Real Madrid either being involved with something and saying we're going to come, we're not ready yet but we'll take you. That's always over there and if they come you're dead."

Martin Zubimendi has given bigger clubs good reason to set their sights on him. The midfielder has regularly impressed for Real Sociedad, averaging over 30 league games per season, over the last four years with the Basque giants.