Arne Slot couldnβt contain his laughter when asked the first question at his Friday morning press conference. The Liverpool manager was speaking to the media ahead of Sundayβs match against Manchester United at Anfield, a game between two fierce rivals in very different situations, with Gary Neville openly dreading the encounter.
Liverpool are currently six points clear at the top of the Premier League, with a game in hand over second-placed Arsenal. Meanwhile, Manchester United are struggling in 14th place, having lost five of their last league matches.
Slot Rejects Rotation Suggestion
One journalist asked Slot if he might rotate his squad on Sunday, considering Unitedβs recent difficulties and Liverpoolβs busy January schedule. The question caused an amused reaction from the Liverpool boss, who laughed and replied, βThatβs a strange question!β before regaining his composure and responding (via Liverpool FC on YouTube):
βNo, of course Iβm not planning to rest any player, because itβs a big game. I said it before the first match and Iβll say it again: they have much better players, in my opinion, than their league position suggests. It might take Ruben Amorim time to get the best out of them, but they are much, much better than their current position.β
Slotβs Reaction Speaks Volumes
The suggestion of resting key players for a Premier League match against Manchester United, especially at this point in the season, seemed absurd to Slot. Despite Liverpoolβs packed schedule and their strong position compared to United, no serious manager would think of fielding anything less than their strongest XI in such a high-stakes rivalry.
Liverpool have had a full week to prepare for their bitter rivals, ensuring the players are well-rested for the crucial match. Slot and his team know better than to underestimate United, who will surely arrive at Anfield determined to disrupt Liverpoolβs momentum.
The encounters from last season are a reminder of the risks of complacencyβdespite being outplayed at times, United managed two league draws and an FA Cup victory over Liverpool. Slot fully understands the intensity and unpredictability this historic rivalry brings.
Fans can be confident that Slot will select his best lineup on Sunday, aiming to strengthen Liverpoolβs title challenge while delivering another setback to Manchester Unitedβs already difficult season.
