1 day Ago By The Straits Times
Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrating with his players after a Premier League match against Aston Villa. LONDON – Arne Slot said he cannot be distracted by Liverpool’s upcoming showdowns with Real Madrid and Manchester City as the injury-hit English Premier League leaders visit Southampton on Nov 24. The Dutchman has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 of his first 17 games in all competitions.
That has propelled Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and the Champions League. “It would be a bit strange if I tell you I’m not enjoying being in the position we are in now, but we also understand we’re only 11 (league) games in, so there’s a lot of games to be played,” said Slot on Nov 22. A trip to bottom-of-the-table Southampton appears the ideal appetiser to two huge clashes as Real visit Anfield on Nov 27 before a showdown with City on Dec 1.
But Slot is wary of the threat posed by the Saints, who have often dominated possession without reward on their return to the top flight. “We indeed have incredible fixtures coming up, starting with Southampton,” he added. “It’s not going to be easy even if everyone feels it is (because they are) bottom of the league.
(Southampton) do not play at all like this and they made it difficult for teams that are in the top three of four. “Their playing style is very interesting, it is a joy to watch their games.” Trent Alexander-Arnold could be back in time to face Real, but is unlikely to return from a hamstring injury this weekend, while Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota remain out.
“We are careful with everyone, especially when it comes to muscle injuries,” Slot said. “Alisson is training with the goalkeepers but not with the team. He is getting better but is not ready for Sunday.
” He also said his captain and key defender Virgil van Dijk will be fit to play, while Federico Chiesa, like Jota, were expected to return in the “next few weeks”. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s title rivals received a major boost this week as Pep Guardiola extended his contract as Manchester City boss until 2027. Slot is a confessed admirer of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach, who has led City to six Premier League titles in the past seven seasons.
“That’s good news for City first of all, and also good news for the league because I think everyone wants to have the best managers possible and the best players over here,” said Slot. “On the other hand City have so many quality players that if he made the choice to leave the club I would never expect them to be bottom of the league next season.” AFP, REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
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