Gary Neville has hailed Liverpool boss Arne Slot, ranking his introduction to the Premier League as one of the best in the competition’s history.
Slot has enjoyed a sensational start since arriving on Merseyside, guiding the Reds to the top of the Premier League and Champions League standings, while they also have a Carabao Cup semi-final against Tottenham to look forward to in the New Year.
Liverpool sits four points clear in the title race now after Sunday’s 6-3 demolition of Spurs, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah both scoring twice in north London. The result and performance sent out a clear message to the Reds’ title rivals, with Chelsea and Arsenal the closest challengers as Manchester City continue to implode.
Slot though will be focusing on his own efforts, and the Dutchman can be more than happy with his first six months at Anfield. He has won 21 of his 25 games in charge so far, with just the one defeat since he took over from Jurgen Klopp.
And he can count former Manchester United captain Neville among his many admirers, with the Sky Sports pundit hailing the impact Slot has made so far on Liverpool and the Premier League.
“Arne Slot, to do what he’s done having taken over from Jurgen Klopp who was an idol at Liverpool,” Neville said on the latest episode of his podcast.
“Without a great deal of work in the transfer market, maybe that’s been a positive but you know, they did not get in the players that they wanted.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has led his side to a four-point lead in the Premier League
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has led his side to a four-point lead in the Premier League (Image: Getty Images)
“I think it’s a fantastic introduction and one of the best that we’ve seen from any manager into the Premier League, right at the very top of the league.”
The Reds are guaranteed to top the table over Christmas, and another victory over Leicester on Boxing Day would ensure that they stay at the summit heading into 2025. Although Slot is pleased with his side’s efforts so far, he knows there is still a lot of work to be done.
“You know as well as I know how hard it is to stay at the top,” Slot said after the win over Spurs. “You have to be on top of your game for every minute. It is not easy to show up every three or four days. I didn’t expect Chelsea to drop points today. It can happen in any game and that’s what makes the league so special.”