Arne Slot has been incredibly complimentary about Newcastle United ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Tyneside.
It is Newcastle vs Liverpool on Monday, with St James’ Park bracing itself for what should be an incredible atmosphere.
The Alexander Isak situation has ramped up the tension between the two clubs, while there have been some spicy meetings between them in recent years.
Monday should be the same, at a time when Newcastle United’s biggest issue is off the field. Isak wants to leave, having broken his silence on his future on Tuesday night.
He is not expected to play against Liverpool on Monday, but Arne Slot does not believe that Newcastle United are a club that have ‘troubles’.
Arne Slot reacts during the Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Liverpool.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Arne Slot says Newcastle United do not have ‘troubles’
Ahead of Newcastle vs Liverpool, Slot has spoken to the media.
The Liverpool manager was asked if it will be easier to play against the Magpies as they are currently a club with ‘troubles’. That is a claim that Slot was quick to dispute.
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“I don’t think they are a club with troubles,” he said.
“They had a very good start to the season against Aston Villa. I think they were able to get more than one point out of the game.
“The atmosphere is great, like at Anfield so we are used to a certain environment. St James’ Park, the atmosphere was amazing [last season] and it will be the same. But why is the atmosphere amazing? Because the players can perform. They can add to the atmosphere by being intense, bring the quality as we saw in that game.”
Arne Slot praises Jacob Murphy ahead of Alexander Isak absence
Slot refused to comment on Isak possibly joining Liverpool, but he did allude to the fact that the Swede probably will not be involved on Monday night.
That does not concern the Liverpool boss, who is very aware of the other forwards that Eddie Howe has at his disposal.
“Although I assume Isak is not playing from what I read in the media, they still have Anthony Gordon as a nine,” he said.
“They have Anthony Elanga on the right wing. Harvey Barnes on the left. Then Jacob Murphy isn’t even playing, who was very good against us twice last season.
“This is the Premier League. We all have a lot of options. Newcastle have them as well.”
Slot was very forthright in his praise for Jacob Murphy, who is likely to be on the bench on Monday night.
The 30-year-old was not in the Newcastle United starting XI against Aston Villa, with Anthony Elanga deployed on the right of attack.
That feels likely to continue against Liverpool, despite Murphy doing so well last season. The Rafa Benitez signing enjoyed the best campaign of his career, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists in all competitions.