Liverpool coach "responds" to Deco: "I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha"

When the transfer market becomes theater, coaches sometimes act better than the players themselves. Arne Slot, the new Liverpool coach, puts on the glove of irony and launches a verbal barrage that hits two giants: FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. In the center of the battlefield, Luis Díaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Slot responds to Barça with a sharp smile

It all started with statements from Deco, sporting director of Barça, who on the program 'El Món a RAC1' slipped his "admiration" for Luis Díaz, mentioning him among the players that the culé sports management likes. The praise, although dressed in courtesy, was interpreted as a sign of interest.

Arne Slot was quick to pick up the glove... with British humor.

“I understand that Deco is a great admirer of Luis Díaz, because I am too”

“I suppose that if we talk about admirations, he will also be delighted with Salah or Gakpo"

"For my part, I admire Lamine Yamal and Raphinha”, he said with smiles that tasted like a warning.

A response that mixes diplomacy, sarcasm and the clear message that Liverpool has no intention of letting its Colombian winger go without a fight.

Liverpool's plan: salary shield for Luis Díaz

After the verbal skirmish, the real movements: Liverpool has already presented a renewal offer to Luis Díaz until 2029. The new contract would include a salary increase that would place him as one of the highest paid players in the team, only behind Salah and Van Dijk.

The idea, according to Colombian media such as Antena 2, is to offer him the file of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who, according to rumors, will not renew and is aiming for Real Madrid. A kind of contractual torch pass, with the aroma of a strategic response to the white interest.

Slot also shoots towards Real Madrid for Alexander-Arnold

The Dutch coach did not just stay with Barça. When asked about Alexander-Arnold, he slipped a comment with the edge of a Swiss army knife:

“He's leaving anyway, so why not: he could be the first gift for Xabi Alonso”, he said, referring to the possible future merengue coach.

And he added, without filter:

“I wasn't entirely happy with every minute he was on the field. He is a better defender than he thinks, but he doesn't always show it”

Statements that taste like goodbye... and settling of accounts.

Signings, power and irony: the trilogy of summer

Modern football is as tactical off the field as it is on it. While Barça is testing Luis Díaz with floral statements and Real Madrid is waiting for its opportunity with Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool counterattacks with a double play: reinforced renewal and incendiary statements.

Related

Luis Díaz and the Barça dream: between blind faith and the LaLiga calculator

Arne Slot has debuted with his own style: direct, elegant and with a dose of irony that would make Oscar Wilde smile. Because on the market board, words also sign.

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