As Liverpool prepare to host struggling Manchester City in a mouthwatering Premier League clash on Sunday, Reds manager Arne Slot has come out in support of his counterpart Pep Guardiola. Despite City’s worst run of form since 2006, failing to win any of their last six matches across all competitions, Slot believes Guardiola remains “the best manager in the world” and will undoubtedly “find solutions” to his team’s current woes.
Liverpool head into the weekend with an eight-point lead at the summit of the Premier League table, having won a remarkable 10 out of their 12 league games this season under Slot’s guidance. The Dutchman, who took over from Jürgen Klopp in the summer, has made an instant impact at Anfield, with his side playing scintillating football and looking like genuine title contenders.
Slot Wary of Wounded City
However, despite City’s recent struggles, Slot was quick to dismiss any notion that facing the reigning champions would be an easy task. Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, the Liverpool boss emphasized the quality that still exists within Guardiola’s squad.
I don’t think anyone in the last eight or nine years, or maybe even longer, would have said City at home or away — the word easy comes to mind. I know everyone looks at their results, but if you face them, and that is what we do, you analyse it.
Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
Slot went on to highlight City’s performances against Brighton, Tottenham, and Feyenoord, where he felt they had been unfortunate not to come away with better results. He also praised Guardiola’s ability to adapt and find solutions to problems, suggesting that the Spaniard would undoubtedly have a plan to cope with the absence of key midfielder Rodri through injury.
Guardiola’s Proven Track Record
Guardiola’s track record speaks for itself, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss having won numerous domestic and European titles throughout his illustrious career. His ability to adapt his tactics and get the best out of his players is well-documented, and Slot believes this will be key to City turning their form around.
One of the reasons why I think Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world is he always comes up with solutions for his problems. His problem now might be that Rodri is out, but we all know that he will come up with a solution and their run of form will go again. Hopefully it is after Sunday.
Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
Alexander-Arnold Returns, Konaté and Bradley Doubtful
Liverpool have been handed a boost ahead of the clash with the news that influential right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit to start after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Aston Villa earlier this month. However, Slot confirmed that the Reds face a nervous wait to see whether Conor Bradley, who impressed in Alexander-Arnold’s absence against Real Madrid in midweek, and center-back Ibrahima Konaté will be available for selection.
Konaté and Bradley are still being assessed, so it is difficult to see where they are. Let’s wait and see, but it’s never a good sign [when players have to come off]. I had to take Conor off, and Ibou [Konaté] didn’t walk off as he should after such a fantastic game that he played. He should have made a round and clapped the fans, but unfortunately, he couldn’t, so that’s not a good sign.
Arne Slot, Liverpool Manager
A Clash of Titans
Sunday’s meeting between Liverpool and Manchester City promises to be a fascinating encounter, pitting two of the Premier League’s most successful managers against each other. While Slot’s Liverpool currently hold the upper hand in the title race, Guardiola’s City will be determined to prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with and capable of defending their crown.
As the tension builds ahead of this clash of titans, one thing is for sure: both Slot and Guardiola will have their teams meticulously prepared, each hoping to outsmart the other and claim a potentially pivotal three points in the battle for Premier League supremacy.
