2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Ian Doyle)
For someone whose Liverpool reign has thus far been one of relentlessly hitting targets, it was a rare misfire. Having habitually been on time for his regular pre-match press conferences, Arne Slot on Friday caused a mild murmur around the room as the clock ticked on beyond his expected arrival. It was only a matter of minutes, but it was sufficient to be noted.
But, from his belated appearance, there was no doubting the appetite of the Reds boss to get back on the horse after the final international break until March - not least given the news that emerged from Manchester City this week. City, who visit Anfield next week, were buoyed on Thursday by Pep Guardiola penning a new two-year deal to take his commitment at the Etihad to a decade. After four successive defeats and those 115 Premier League charges looming, it was a notable and timely boost for the champions.
Liverpool give double injury boost amid Trent Alexander-Arnold and Diogo Jota updates Arne Slot press conference LIVE - Diogo Jota injury news, Liverpool contracts update, Alisson return And rather than lament having to outdo Guardiola for at least a few more seasons, Slot is instead relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against the City boss. "That is good news for City first of all and also good news for the league because I think everybody wants to have the best managers possible over here and the best players over here," says the Liverpool head coach. "He is definitely one of the best managers, maybe the best manager in the league.
"If you look at what he did in the last few years, four times champions in a row, it is fair to say he is maybe the best manager in the league. "That is a good thing, but then on the other hand they have so many quality players that if he had made the choice to leave the club, I would never expect to find them bottom of the league next season. But, good for City fans and interesting for us as managers to keep on facing one of the best managers football has ever had.
" With Liverpool five points clear at the Premier League summit heading into a weekend in which they visit rock-bottom Southampton on Sunday, Slot's side are regarded among many pundits as the most likely to prevent Guardiola securing an unprecedented fifth successive championship. And Slot says: "It would be a bit strange if I would tell you I am not enjoying it. But we also understand it is only 11 games so a lot have to be played and the teams we play are able to have the same run of games as we have, so if we want to stay there we have to keep winning games.
"On Sunday, they are bottom of the league but they don’t play like that. Their playing style is a joy to watch. It is going to be very difficult, especially after the international break.
We like to be where we are, and if we want to stay there we have to win games." Southampton are two points adrift at the bottom but have been only narrowly beaten by a host of leading clubs and won their first game of the season on their last home game against Everton. "I would say much more than a capable team," says Slot.
"I have seen them playing already against City, Arsenal and Wolves and I probably will see more and they have shown they are very capable of playing teams like us. Against Manchester United they had a penalty first (which they missed on the way to losing 3-0). "They have been a bit unlucky but their playing style has been excellent.
I know everyone says Madrid and City will be difficult but I think Southampton will be as well.".
