Manager says clash with City one of the most difficult challenges his team will face
Arne Slot has said Liverpool must turn their recent positive results into sustained form as they prepare for Sunday’s trip to Manchester City.
Liverpool snapped a four-game losing streak in the Premier League with last weekend’s win over Aston Villa, before following it up with a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in the Champions League.
The back-to-back wins have steadied nerves after a difficult October, but Slot knows the defending champions remain some distance off the pace, with seven points separating them from leaders Arsenal.
“We were actually very consistent, but the thing is we were consistent in losing,” Slot said. “We have to be consistent in doing things right. Manchester City is one of the most difficult challenges you have playing away in a season. It’s a very interesting game to look forward to.”
The Dutchman took charge last season and quickly ran away with the title, but he admitted his team have struggled for control and composure this season. Facing Pep Guardiola’s City, he said, will demand both.
“My only focus is on ourselves and our focus is on consistency at the moment,” explained Slot. “We have lost a few games as you know, much more than we usually do. But we have now won two, so our focus is on improving and getting the players fit. And we will see where that leads to.”
Slot said striker Alexander Isak has returned to team training but underplayed expectations.
“Isak will train with team again after three weeks out,” said Slot. “I know I said his pre-season has ended a few weeks ago, but if you’ve had three weeks with rehab it doesn’t bring him back to the levels he was at.
“Even though our rehab has done an incredible job you can’t compare rehab with games of football or training sessions with the team. Again, I have to say give him some time.”
