Arne Slot warns of slip-up at Southampton ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week
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Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrating with his players after a Premier League match against Aston Villa.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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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 struggling Southampton on Nov 24.
The Dutchman has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 and drawing one 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 side Southampton appears the ideal appetiser to two huge clashes, as Real visit Anfield on Nov 27 before the Reds’ home City blockbuster on Dec 1.
However, Slot is wary of the threat posed by the Saints, who have often dominated possession without reward on their top-flight return.
“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 or 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 on Nov 24, while Alisson Becker and Diogo Jota remain out.
“We are careful with everyone, especially when it comes to muscle injuries. Alisson is training with the goalkeepers, but not with the team. He is getting better, but is not ready for Sunday,” Slot said.
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,” he said.
“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
