Arne Slot says Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world despite Manchester City’s recent struggles.
Liverpool welcome the Premier League champions to Anfield on Sunday as they look to go 11 points clear heading into a busy December.
City made the headlines again on Tuesday when they forfeited a 3-0 lead against Feyenoord, drawing 3-3 at the Etihad.
Meanwhile, Slot’s men dispatched of Real Madrid on Wednesday night, setting them up as heavy favourites for the eagerly-anticipated showdown on Merseyside.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Slot said: “Everybody is looking at their results but if you face them, you analyse it.
“They were 1-0 up against Brighton and could have scored one or two more.
“They could have been two or three goals up against Tottenham and against Feyenoord – that has not happened many times.
Join Arne Slot live as he previews Sunday’s #PL meeting with Manchester City 🎙️ #LIVMCI https://t.co/LqpGRE8HvO
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 28, 2024
“They are still a very, very good team and one of the reasons why I think Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world – I think he is the best – he always comes up with solutions for his problems.
“We all know he will come up with a solution but hopefully after Sunday.”
Slot added some good news for Liverpool fans to the press conference, revealing that Trent Alexander-Arnold is fit to start, although he may not following Conor Bradley’s Man of the Match performance against Los Blancos.
Caoimhin Kelleher was also on top form once again in midweek, and Slot was asked about the Irishman’s future at the club with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to arrive next summer.
He added: “I’m expecting every player wants to be the number one, not only in the goalkeeper position but in every position.
“It is always up to the player if he can accept his role and from this moment, from the start of the season until now, Caoimhin has accepted his in a great manner, both when he did and didn’t play.
A big night for Conor 🙌 pic.twitter.com/wqUG8ph9RP
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) November 28, 2024
“It’s far too early to say what can happen next season. I want every player to want to play every game.
“It’s completely normal for him and all the others but then it’s always about the attitude when you don’t play and that has been outstanding.
“They should have the eagerness to play but if they don’t, they have to act in a normal way and that’s what they all do at the moment.”
