Slot warns of Southampton slip-up ahead of Liverpool’s ‘incredible’ week

AFP | London

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Arne Slot said he cannot be distracted by Liverpool’s upcoming showdowns with Real Madrid and Manchester City as the injury-hit Premier League leaders visit Southampton on Sunday.

Slot has made a remarkable start to his time in charge of the Reds, winning 15 of his first 17 games in all competitions.

That has propelled Liverpool into a five-point lead over City at the top of the Premier League and to the summit of the new-format Champions League.

“It would be a bit strange if I tell you I’m not enjoying being in the position we are in now, but we also understand we’re only 11 (league) games in now, so that’s a lot of games to be played,” said Slot at his pre-match press conference yesterday.

A trip to bottom-of-the-table Southampton appears the ideal appetiser to two huge clashes as Madrid visit Anfield on Wednesday before a showdown with City on December 1.

But Slot is wary of the threat posed by the Saints, who have often dominated possession without reward on their return to the top-flight.

“We indeed have incredible fixtures coming up, starting with Southampton,” added Slot. “It’s not going to be easy even if everyone feels it is (because they are) bottom of the league. (Southampton) do not play at all like this and they made it difficult for teams that are in the top three of four.

“Their playing style is very interesting, it is a joy to watch their games.”