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Liverpool manager Arne Slot says he’s looking forward to facing Pep Guardiola over the next couple of years, dubbing the Spaniard “the best manager in the league”.
Guardiola signed a new two-year contract to remain as Manchester City manager on Thursday, bringing an end to speculation that the 2024/25 campaign may be his last at the Etihad Stadium.
City have won six Premier League titles under Guardiola’s management, including a record four in a row, and he will have completed 11 years of his service by the time his new deal expires.
Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool manager in the summer – the German having enjoyed a hugely successful eight-and-a-half-year stint at Anfield – and has enjoyed a tremendous start to his tenure. The Dutchman’s side sit top of the Premier League table having won nine of their first 11 games, establishing a five-point lead over City in the process.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, ahead of Liverpool‘s trip to Southampton on Sunday, Slot admitted he’s pleased that Guardiola will be sticking around in the Premier League, insisting it’s good for the league to have the best players and managers despite the competition it brings.
He also dubbed Guardiola as one of the best managers in history and the best the Premier League currently has to offer.
“That’s good news for City first of all, and also good news for the league because I think everyone wants to have the best managers possible and the best players over here,” Slot said.
“He’s definitely one of best managers in the league if not the best if you look at what he did, four times champions in a row, it’s fair to say he’s maybe the best manager in the league.
“It is a good thing, but on the other hand, City have so many quality players that if he made the choice to leave the club I would never expect them to be bottom of the league next season.
“It’s good for City fans and interesting for us to keep on facing one of the best managers football has ever had.”
Slot also spoke about Liverpool’s tremendous start to the season, insisting that although things are going well now, it’s important that expectations are tempered in favour of focusing on upcoming games.
“It would be a bit strange if I tell you I’m not enjoying being in the position we are in now, but we also understand we’re only 11 games in now, so that’s a lot of games to be played,” Slot explained.
“We all know the teams we face in this league are able to have the same run of games we had. If we want to stay where we are we have to keep bringing the results, which is not going to be easy, starting on Sunday.
“It’s not going to be easy even if everyone feels it is (because they are) bottom of the league. (Southampton) do not play at all like this and they made it difficult for teams that are in the the top three or four. Their playing style is very interesting, it is a joy to watch their games.”