The 2025/26 Premier League season will enter its 15th round of competition, with Liverpool traveling to Elland Road to challenge Leeds United. Manager Sloot stated that Leeds United's style of play and defensive capabilities can cause difficulties for many opponents.

Liverpool are currently 9th in the standings with 22 points. They have won 2, drawn 1 and lost 2 in their last 5 matches. In the last round, Liverpool came back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Sunderland after Wirtz forced an own goal from the opposition.

For Leeds United, Daniel Falk's team defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the last round of the Premier League and are currently 17th in the standings with 14 points. To further distance themselves from the relegation zone, the "Whites" will undoubtedly fight hard for three points.

Liverpool manager Sloot said in a press conference, "I watched Leeds United's game against Chelsea, and I felt that game looked like a Liverpool game. Chelsea conceded a set piece, and the third goal was a very serious mistake. It became very difficult for them. Leeds United either played very aggressively in one-on-one situations or retreated to a low block, which made it difficult for the opponent to create opportunities. This style of play is difficult not only for us but for many teams."

"So what we expected was something like their second half against Manchester City, coming back from 0-2 to draw 2-2, with Foden ultimately sealing the victory for Manchester City with a brilliant moment. Against Manchester City, they played very aggressively and performed very well overall. They were very active and made a lot of long passes from the goalkeeper. We knew what we would encounter, but basically these are the situations we've faced in all our games, with perhaps only two exceptions."

When discussing Wirtz's form, Sloet said, "It's not right if a player can only gain confidence by scoring goals. You can see his confidence from his performance in the last two games. How often he asks for the ball and how often his teammates pass it to him all demonstrate his current confidence."

“He came back with an injury he sustained while playing for the German national team, so I’m very pleased that he played so much in his first two games back. He performed well, and as I’ve said before, I wasn’t surprised at all by his involvement in the goal against Sunderland, because he’s one of those players who is always trying and creating chances.”

Regarding Isak's performance, Sloet said, "I don't think he's the only number 9 who's been affected by not getting many opportunities in some games. We have to put him in more threatening positions. Before conceding only one goal in the last two games, we created a lot of chances. But in the last two games, because of a more compact and less risky formation, we created fewer chances than in all the previous games."

"So, on my list of things I need to improve, it definitely includes how to get our number 9 more involved in the offense, not to mention in the offensive third."