LIVERPOOL, United Kingdom (AFP)—Liverpool manager Arne Slot is ready to capitalize on Manchester City’s ongoing struggles, but remains wary of Pep Guardiola’s ability to fix the champions’ issues ahead of Sunday’s crucial showdown. Despite a remarkable start to his Anfield tenure, Slot is determined to continue the momentum after a 2-0 victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday, which saw Liverpool top their Champions League group.
The Reds are also soaring in the Premier League, sitting eight points clear of City, who are enduring their worst run under Guardiola. Following five consecutive defeats, City’s midweek collapse from 3-0 up to draw 3-3 against Feyenoord has left Guardiola with a lot to address.
A devastating blow to City’s title defense came in the form of a season-ending knee injury to Rodri, a key figure in their midfield. Slot, however, is confident that Guardiola will find a way to turn things around, though he hopes that it won’t be until after Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad.
“Pep is the best manager in the world for a reason,” Slot said at his pre-match press conference. “He has an incredible ability to adapt and solve problems. Right now, the loss of Rodri is a big issue for them, but we all know Guardiola will find a way. Hopefully, that solution comes after Sunday’s game.”
Slot also pointed to Guardiola’s reputation for tactical innovation, citing his pioneering use of inverted full-backs and a center-back playing as a defensive midfielder. “If anyone can come up with something new to strengthen their team, it’s him,” Slot said.
Liverpool’s midweek triumph over Real Madrid, their first victory against the Spanish giants in nine meetings, came with its own cost. Key defenders Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate were both forced off with injuries late in the match, leaving them doubts for the weekend.
“To lose Conor like that and see Ibou struggle to walk off the pitch after such a fantastic performance is concerning,” Slot added. “But we are hopeful that Trent Alexander-Arnold will be fit and ready to step in if needed.”
With an eight-point lead, Liverpool are in a strong position—history suggests that no team with such a lead after 12 Premier League games has ever failed to win the title. However, Slot remains cautious, aware that City’s depth and pedigree cannot be underestimated.
“You never think of City as an ‘easy’ team to beat,” Slot remarked, dismissing any notion that City’s current slump makes Liverpool’s task any less daunting. “They’ve been dominant for years, and it would be foolish to believe anything is guaranteed against them.”
As the two title contenders prepare for a mouth-watering encounter, the pressure is on Guardiola to halt his side’s alarming slide, while Slot’s Liverpool are eager to build on their strong start and edge closer to securing their first league title since 1990.
