Liverpool boss Arne Slot not taking it easy vs Nottingham Forest

When Jürgen Klopp left Liverpool, there were significant doubts about his successor, Arne Slot, who took charge at the start of the current season. However, the Dutch tactician has swiftly changed the narrative, transforming the Reds into formidable contenders for the Premier League title.

With 14 wins in 19 games, Liverpool now sit six points clear of second-placed Arsenal. Their latest triumph was a comfortable victory over Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup.

As they prepare for their upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest, Slot has shared both praise and pointed observations about Nuno Espírito Santo’s team.

Arne Slot refuses to downplay Nottingham Forest’s achievements

Speaking about Liverpool’s upcoming game, Arne Slot was full of praise for Nottingham Forest and their exceptional performances this season. The 46-year-old tactician even labelled the Tricky Trees as one of the favourites to contend for the prestigious Premier League title.

“I’ve always said you can judge the table best halfway through the season,” said Liverpool boss Slot. That moment is there now, so if Forest is then up there with us, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and [Manchester] City and all the others, then they are a team that competes with us and with the other teams. They deserve to be treated like this if you look at the way they play and if you look at their results.”

Arne Slot on Nottingham Forest (BBC)

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Nottingham Forest have experienced a remarkable turnaround, fueled by solid performances from players like Chris Wood. The upcoming clash promises to be a heated battle, as Liverpool’s only defeat this season came against the Nottingham-based club in September of last year.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side currently sits level on points with Arsenal (40) and poses one of the biggest threats to Arne Slot’s dream of securing the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield.

Getting past Forest won’t be an easy task for Liverpool. The Tricky Trees boast a robust and dynamic defensive lineup featuring standout performers like Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic, who have been in exceptional form.

Meanwhile, Slot faces another challenge off the pitch, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of key players such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. As speculation about potential departures looms, the Dutch manager remains focused on the task at hand.

With revenge on his mind, Slot will aim to settle the score against Liverpool’s bitter rivals when they face off at the City Ground on January 15.