Arne Slot criticises pundits over Liverpool's £450m summer spending

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has hit back at pundits he claims 'favour other clubs' over the club's record summer spending as he prepares to hand a debut to Alexander Isak.

Defending the investment

Liverpool spent £450m on eight players this summer, including a British record £125m for Sweden striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle. Slot pointed out at his pre-match press conference that the outlay was partly offset by more than £250m in player sales, and contrasted it with the previous summer's £10m spend.

"There is so much focus on our new signings, especially from pundits that favour some other clubs... But they forget about [nearly] £300m that we have sold [players] for. So, yes, if we want to strengthen the squad we need to spend that much money," Slot said.

The Dutch coach praised Liverpool's strategy of recruiting younger players, all aged 25 or under, arguing the approach should be commended rather than criticised. "I think it is only a compliment that people tell everyone we have spent so much because that tells you the players we brought in are seen as very good players," he added.

Isak poised for Champions League debut

Isak, who missed Liverpool's opening Premier League win at Burnley due to fitness work after training alone at Newcastle, is expected to play some part against Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday. Slot said he was unlikely to play the full 90 minutes but stressed the striker's impact in attack would be crucial once fully match fit.

Liverpool's record investment may dominate headlines, but Slot's defence highlights a sustainable model funded by player sales and a clear focus on youth.

This topic was reported by BBC Sport.

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