Slot has replaced Jürgen Klopp as Liverpool manager after the German, who led the Reds to the Carabao Cup and third place in the top flight last season, left the club at the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Dutchman played his first Premier League game on Saturday (12:30 CEST) against newly promoted Ipswich Town.

“We always talk about transfers, but it is also very positive that we have kept our players and they are in a good position. Jürgen left the team in a good position and we are trying to build on that.”

“They won a trophy with this team last season, so we hope for the same and strive for that. But it won’t be easy because there are many good and strong teams in the Premier League who have strengthened their squads. We are looking forward to the challenge.”

This summer, Liverpool sold striker Fabio Carvalho to Brentford for £27.5 million, while defender Joel Matip, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and goalkeeper Adrian have left the club.

Slot was asked if the team would be weaker if the squad was not strengthened, but he rejected this suggestion.

“If you don’t strengthen the team, you get weaker, it’s a bit weird,” he said. “Usually you either stay the same and I really believe that on the training ground you can help the players and the team to improve.”

“You may think that the team will get better if the clubs around you strengthen it. But it is not always the case that the team gets stronger when you bring in new players.

“We – and by that I mean Richard and myself – are trying to strengthen the squad and when we think we have found someone, we try to get them.

“Unfortunately, the person we thought could help us said no. Behind the scenes, Richard is trying to improve the team, but my main focus is on Ipswich.”