Liverpool manager Arne Slot has cautioned that defending champions Manchester City are still a very good side despite their recent struggles as the Reds prepare to host the Cityzens on Sunday, Soccernet.football reports.
City have hit a rough patch, failing to secure a victory in their last three domestic matches. Their struggles have also extended to Europe, where they currently sit 17th on the Champions League table after losing to Sporting CP and drawing against Feyenoord.
The champions next test is a challenging trip to Anfield to face Liverpool. The Reds have thrived under the tutelage of new boss Slot, occupying first place on both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
However, the Dutchman is well aware that, regardless of City’s current struggles, taking on Guardiola’s side will be anything but straightforward.
“I don’t think anyone in the last eight or nine years – or even longer – would have said that City at home or away [is] easy,” he told reporters in his pre-match press conference.
“Everybody is looking at their results. I’ve seen them as well. Against Brighton, they were 1-0 up, they could have scored for 2-0 or 3-0 but didn’t. Then they got beaten 2-1.
“Against Tottenham, after 20 minutes they could have been two or three goals up, but they weren’t. Against Feyenoord, that [losing a three-goal lead] has not happened many times. They were 3-0 up and then all of a sudden it was 3-3.
“They are still a very good team. One of the reasons why I think Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world is he always comes up with solutions.
“His problem now might be that Rodri is out but we all know, at least I think, he will come up with a [solution and] that their form will come again – hopefully after Sunday.
“He [Guardiola] was the one who started playing with the inverted full-back, then he was the first one to play the centre-back as the no 6. I wouldn’t be surprised if he came up with another idea nobody ever thought about before to make his team even stronger.
“That’s the reason why he inspired so many managers around the world. Let’s wait and see because many things have been done with football now. If there’s anyone in this managerial world who can come up with something new, it’s definitely him.”