NewsArne Slot programme notes: Christmas message, Wolves clash and more

The Reds' next assignment comes on Saturday afternoon at Anfield as they host Wolves in the Premier League.

They do so on the back of a run of six games without defeat in all competitions, including victories in each of the past three.

"Firstly, I would like to wish everyone who celebrates a very Happy Christmas," head coach Slot writes in his column for the programme.

"I know what a special tradition football is at this time of year in England so it is a privilege to play a game in front of our own supporters, especially as it allows us to be together for one last time in 2025.

"It goes without saying that we would like to end the year on a high. In recent weeks we have made progress but it is also clear to us more than anyone that there are still areas for improvement.

"Our victory at Tottenham last weekend underlined this situation because although I was more than happy that we took three points, there were also parts of our game that were less than satisfying.

"This is not something I say to diminish optimism. It is important to be realistic so that we know how and where we need to get better as well as recognising the elements that are working well.

"The fact that we are now unbeaten in our last six matches after a very difficult spell tells us that we are on the right road so now we need to take the next steps.

"The fact that we will not have Alexander Isak with us for a period is, of course, a major disappointment. In the moment that Alex was injured, he showed the movement, the finishing and the overall quality that he can bring to our team so it is a big blow to be without him.

"If I am allowed a wish at Christmas, it would be that he recovers as well and as quickly as possible.

"In the meantime, we will have to manage without him and also the other players who are unavailable for one reason or another. This has been one of the stories of our season so far and we have no option but to cope and this means finding solutions and, most importantly, sticking together on and off the pitch.

"That ability to be united has been one of our most important qualities throughout a year which has brought us some of our highest highs and our lowest lows. Reflecting on everything that has happened over the last 12 months ignites a rollercoaster of emotions but it is normal at this time of year to look back to everything that has happened.

"Doing so leads me to think especially of the family of Diogo Jota on what will be their first Christmas without him. It is not my place to tell them where they should look for comfort – if that is even possible – but I can only hope that the feeling of love and affection that Diogo still generates brings them some solace.

"The sense of loss will be particularly strong on Saturday, of course, as it will be the first time that Diogo's two English teams will meet since his tragic passing. Like us, Wolves were clearly very affected by the loss of such a special player and person so my thoughts continue to be with them also.

"I would like to welcome Rob Edwards, his players and staff as well as the supporters and directors of Wolves to Anfield for the game.

"They arrive fighting for their future but regardless of their current position in the Premier League table we will expect the kind of test that we faced against them twice last season when we managed to come out on top in two very difficult games.

"This is just the way the Premier League is, which makes it so, so important to be on the right side of the small margins. Lately, we have been able to do that more often than had been the case in previous weeks so we need this to continue.

"Ideally, we will also start to put ourselves in a position in which we can even give ourselves a bit more comfort but as I said earlier in these notes, there is a lot of work to do if we want to reach this stage."