Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has delivered a glowing verdict on Arne Slot ahead of the friendly game between Liverpool and the Gunners.
Arteta already gave an initial impression on Slot earlier this month, describing him as an “exceptional coach” but asked to elaborate on what makes the Dutchman a good manager, Arteta replied:
“I don’t know him personally, but I’ve watched his past team. First of all, I like a lot the person and the way he comes across.”
“I heard very good things about players that are probably the best ones to ask as well and I am really impressed as well, the way he sets up his teams and clarity and the quality that the team shows, so yeah, it’s going to be a really good game.”
Will Slot’s football stand up to scrutiny in the Premier League?
The praise from Arteta should not be dismissed. The Spaniard certainly knows a thing or two about management and he can clearly recognise a good coach when he sees one.
That, of course, doesn’t necessarily guarantee that Slot will be a success in England. He is unproven outside of the Netherlands and he will not be given long in the job if it’s obvious that he can’t handle the quality of opponents in the Premier League.
When do Liverpool play Arsenal?
The Reds face the Gunners on Wednesday night (early Thursday morning UK Time). They will be playing the friendly at Lincoln Financial Field, the home of the NFL team Philadelphia Eagles.
Slot’s men will then travel to Columbia, South Carolina where they will play the last game of their pre-season tour of the United States against Manchester United.
After flying home next week, they have one final warm-up match at Anfield versus Sevilla before Slot’s first competitive fixture against Ipswich Town on August 17th.
