Having outclassed elite managers like Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp during his time in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola now has the tall task of handing Arne Slot the same treatment.
So far, the Dutchman has the edge on Guardiola after his Liverpool side won the league last season and were 13 points above third-placed Manchester City.
After signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak should concern Pep Guardiola as Arne Slot’s side looked primed to win successive titles.
Guardiola is considered a serial winner and he would be keeping a close eye on the Reds’ summer business up until now.
Pep Guardiola spoke to Liverpool target Rodrygo
Liverpool now wish to sign Rodrygo Goes, a player Arne Slot “appreciates” as well.
Rodrygo, valued at £77 million is one of the best wingers in the world and alongside Mohamed Salah, he could form the best wing pairing in the world if he chose to sign for the Premier League champions.
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With Real Madrid ready to sell Rodrygo as well, Diario AS have reported that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola held a private phone call with the Liverpool target.
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid v Arsenal
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images
The report mentions that Rodrygo himself was flirting with City, although “his future was different” at the time.
Rodrygo’s father could help his son seal Man City move
With Jeremy Doku progressing well at Manchester City and Omar Marmoush yet to play a full season in sky blue, both players could prove next season that the Sky Blues have no need of a new left-winger.
However, with Jack Grealish set to leave Manchester City, Pep Guardiola could have just one natural left-winger at his disposal.
Rodrygo’s father held a meeting with Guardiola and in the event that Manchester City are seriously interested in his signature, Liverpool could have stiff competition to sign the two-time Champions League winner.
With plenty of time left in the window, whether City sign another forward remains to be seen.