Liverpool head coach Arne Slot warns the team that true tests lie ahead as they face stronger teams in October. Many fans have laughed at the comment as a subtle dig towards Manchester United but what he said is true.
Based on the Premier League table after Matchday Six, Liverpool have not played many teams in the top 10 positions. They played 10th-placed Nottingham Forest who surprisingly beat the Reds at Anfield 0-1 but due to the complacency in performance.
While United have the quality and spending power that makes them an underachiever in 13th position, Liverpool awaits serious threats. The Reds will face Arsenal and Chelsea in October after the October international break that once again halts their rhythm.
The Reds started the season strongly until the September international break halted their rhythm as Liverpool lost to Forest afterwards. They need to avoid a similar situation when they play Chelsea at Anfield on 20th October before facing RB Leipzig.
Speaking to the press (via Fabrizio Romano) before the Champions League game against Bologna, Slot provided an honest assessment. He said:
“Everybody tells me that a top league table team is harder to beat than a bottom league table team and we have not faced one of them yet”.
Slot inherited a formidable squad from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp and immediately added his tactical style to the squad. Players have enjoyed the style of play which emphasises efficiency and calmness in play over continuous bombardment on opponents.
While Klopp’s style was equally entertaining as Slot’s, having the same philosophy, there are differences which enable different player profiles. The new tactics have provided Ryan Gravenberch the golden opportunity to flourish himself as a fantastic number six option.
Furthermore, Liverpool are more disciplined in leaving spaces in defence while their attack remains as threatening as before. Liverpool fans have enjoyed Slot’s style which has immediately softened the departure of their beloved former manager Klopp.
League status.
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Hopefully, Liverpool will avoid complacency and remain a formidable threat to the opposition regardless of where they lie in the Premier League table. If the Reds remain consistent, they could build on fulfilling their season’s ambitions and help Slot enjoy a successful first season.