Sunderland host Liverpool at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday night
Despite many pundits tipping them for an immediate relegation back to the Championship this term, the Black Cats have shone during their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and at the time of writing, occupy a spot in the top half of the table, just seven points shy of the top four.
Moreover, a win against the defending champions in midweek would move Regis Le Bris’ men level on points with their visitors, with the Reds’ ongoing lull in form compounded by a late 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Sunday.
And looking ahead to Wednesday’s clash, Slot admitted that a trip to Sunderland - the only top flight side yet to lose on home soil so far this season - comes at a tricky time for his team.
What did Liverpool boss Arne Slot say about Sunderland?
Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday morning, the Liverpool boss said: “I have to give a lot of credit to my players, because we've had so many setbacks or hits - so many times we didn't get what we deserved.
“But three days later they show up again and put in a good performance, which has not always led to a win, but I've said many times over here that I think there were only three halves this season where the other team was far better than us - that was Crystal Palace, that was Man City, and maybe Arsenal away in the first half... For the rest it was close to equal, or we were the far better team, so that is credit to the players, because they've had many, many setbacks this season.
“But it's not only that they [Sunderland] have a good record at home. I think they have had a very good season at Sunderland, but the record at home, I was aware of that as well, and having already played against City and Arsenal at home, that tells you how good of a season they're having and how strong and good they are at home.”
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Slot was then asked whether the newly promoted side were having the most impressive campaign of any side in the Premier League, given the broader context of their achievements, to which he responded: “I think there are more teams that are having a very good season - so Arsenal is definitely one of them, [Aston] Villa is impressive, Brentford is very impressive - but Sunderland is also impressive, and maybe I forget a few as well. But it's definitely an accomplishment, or very good, if you are promoted and you come into the Premier League and you do so well - that is a big compliment to their players and to their manager.”
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