As the anticipation builds for the clash between Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League, Arne Slot shares his insights during his pre-match press conference.
The Reds have achieved an impressive record under the head coach.
Liverpool have secured 11 wins in 12 matches and recorded seven clean sheets, highlighted by their 1-0 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League midweek.
Focus has now shifted to the Premier League clash with last season’s runners-up at the Emirates Stadium.
Ahead of the match, Slot said: “I said before the game and after the game that I expect a lot from Chelsea this season, and I think they showed it also last Sunday at Anfield.
“They are a similar team to Arsenal when it comes to playing style, they also like to go with their full-back inside and come into the same formation as Arsenal.
“But if you look at the last two seasons, Arsenal were far ahead of us but also above Chelsea, so you would assume that playing Arsenal would even be more difficult.
“But let’s see at the end of the season where Chelsea and Arsenal both are.
“But normally you would expect, because it’s also an away game, that this one is even more difficult than Chelsea at home and we all see how difficult Chelsea at home was.
“We all know that taking points from your competitor [is important].
“And nobody knows in this early stage who is going to be your competitor or your biggest competitor, but I think we all know that Arsenal will be one of them and then dropping points against them or winning points against them, that is always important.
“So, you’re right, I think it was three draws and one loss [against Arsenal and Manchester City] last season so if you use simple mathematics, if Liverpool could have won all three of them I think the league table would have been a bit different.
“It’s difficult to win an away leg against Arsenal, City or all the other ones but it’s something we are trying on Sunday definitely.”
He added: “In the life of a manager – and I’m talking about a manager, I don’t know how it is for the players – the excitement is for 10 to 15 minutes after the game, when you’re still on the pitch.
“You walk off it and then you already start to think, ‘OK, what am I going to say to the players next when they all come in?’
“And then afterwards you go to the press conference and then your focus is already on the next game. So the excitement for a manager is maybe 10 to 15 minutes after good results.
“But it’s a very nice fixture to be in, that’s clear. But there are many, many nice fixtures to be in and Arsenal away is one of them.”
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