Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed huge admiration for Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of the Spaniard’s milestone match.
As both teams continue their battle at the top of the Premier League table, Slot took a moment to reflect on Guardiola’s long-standing influence on the modern game.
Liverpool and City have been neck and neck in recent seasons, with their rivalry producing some of the best football in Europe.
While Slot is still shaping his identity at Anfield, he’s been open about the respect he holds for managers who have transformed football.
Guardiola, who is set to take charge of his 1,000th career game, clearly falls into that category.
Before the Reds’ next league fixture, Slot spoke passionately about what sets the City boss apart from most in the business.
When asked about Guardiola’s impact, Slot didn’t hide his admiration.
“You’re always looking forward to watching his team play,” he said to Sky Sports.
“When you are analysing every opponent, it’s always nice when you play against his teams because then you have the privilege to watch five, six, seven games of his team and you never get bored.”
“At least I never get bored because his team always have a very good and clear idea in ball possession, they always try to make the people happy.”
He went on to highlight the contrast between City’s football and what he sees across the league.
“It’s a joy to watch where so many other games are not, in my opinion, a joy to watch anymore.”
“It’s become more [about] time-wasting and things I don’t like that much about the game, but which are very good tools to use to make it difficult for other teams if they play against you.”
“It’s a new tactic in football, I would say, but this is something Pep’s teams hardly do.”
Slot also praised Guardiola’s innovation.
“And of course, the Barcelona team was unbelievable.”
“Hoping they would play on a Sunday night at 8pm, so there was one thing to look forward to at the end of the weekend.”
“Then when he went to his other teams, he also invented new things like the inverted full-back.”
“It’s always something special if you watch a game on one of his teams.”
Slot finished by acknowledging the scale of Guardiola’s success.
“A lot of managers win, but in the style he has won his trophies, that is why he stands out compared to many others.”
“I wonder if there are many managers that start their career now that will reach 1,000 [games], especially at the level he’s worked at, because it was probably already very hard to achieve that and there’s a lot of sacrifices coming with that.”
As Liverpool chase consistency in their title challenge, Slot’s words underline the deep respect and competitive edge that define modern clashes with Guardiola’s City.
Read more: Arne Slot explains reason behind heavy rotation this season
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