Arne Slot details why Pep Guardiola can find ‘brilliant’ solution to Man City crisis

4 days ago

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Pep Guardiola - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Arne Slot praised Pep Guardiola as a source of inspiration and expressed his anticipation that the Manchester City coach will devise a "brilliant strategy" to break their streak without a victory. He highlighted Guardiola’s reputation as the "best in the world" as they prepare to take on Liverpool at Anfield this Sunday.

Liverpool is set to face off against their Premier League competitors, aiming to extend their lead over the champions to 11 points. Meanwhile, City finds itself struggling, having not secured a victory in their last six matches, marking their toughest stretch under Guardiola's management.

Slot attributed their recent struggles to Rodri's absence and additional injuries. However, the Dutch coach emphasized that he feels Manchester City's performances haven't been as poor as the outcomes suggest, and he still regards them as a "very, very good team."

He praised Guardiola as a role model for coaches everywhere, noting how the Spaniard excels at finding answers to his team's challenges during the season. This talent has played a significant role in helping City secure six Premier League titles in just seven years.

“I wouldn't be shocked if he comes up with another clever concept,” Slot commented. “He was the pioneer of using inverted full-backs and was also the first to position a centre-back as a defensive midfielder. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if he devises an innovative tactic that no one has considered before to enhance his team's performance.”

This is one of the reasons he has motivated numerous managers across the globe. Initially, when he introduced the concept, we thought it was outlandish, but soon we all wanted to give it a shot because it turned out to be a fantastic idea.

I wouldn't be shocked if he surprises us once more, but let's hold off for now. A lot has already been tried in football, but if there's anyone in the coaching realm who has the potential to innovate, it's certainly him.

Slot's squad secured their 16th victory out of 18 matches across all tournaments this season by defeating the reigning Champions League champions, Real Madrid, on Wednesday evening—following Manchester City's collapse, where they squandered a three-goal advantage to end in a draw with Feyenoord.

Liverpool is currently being praised as the top team in Europe, maintaining an unblemished record in the Champions League. However, Slot has issued a warning as Manchester City prepares to visit Anfield this Sunday.

"Everyone is focusing on the outcomes, but when you really examine the matches, you notice they were leading 1-0 against Brighton and had the chance to add one or two more goals. They had opportunities to be two or three goals ahead against Tottenham but didn't capitalize on them. In their game against Feyenoord—something that doesn't happen often—they were in control, leading 3-0 and dominating the match," Slot explained.

"They remain an exceptionally strong team, and one reason I consider Pep Guardiola to be one of the greatest managers on the planet—if not the greatest—is his ability to find answers to any challenges he faces. Right now, his challenge is the absence of Rodri. Nonetheless, we all know he'll find a way to adapt, and their performance will improve once more. Just hopefully not until after Sunday."