Guardiola still ‘the best manager in the world’ despite struggles, says Slot

Arne Slot believes Pep Guardiola is still “the best manager in the world” despite Manchester City's recent struggles ahead of their blockbuster match at Anfield on Sunday.

City are without a win in their last six games in all competitions. In the last of these they squandered a three-goal lead to draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League.

For the first time in what was the 942nd game of his managerial career, Guardiola watched his side fail to win a match after leading by three goals.

And next up for the Citizens is Slot's Liverpool, who defeated Real Madrid 2-0 on Wednesday to become the first team to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Although City have lost their last three Premier League games, as many as in their previous 47 games combined (W35 D9), Slot was confident Guardiola could turn things around.

“Everyone looks at their results, but when you face them you analyze them. They were 1-0 up against Brighton and could have scored one or two more,” Slot said.

“They could have been two or three goals ahead against Tottenham and against Feyenoord, that didn't happen often.

“They are still a very, very good team and one of the reasons why I think Pep Guardiola is one of the best managers in the world – I think he is the best – always comes up with solutions to his problems.

“We all know he will come up with a solution, but hopefully after Sunday.”

1 – For the first time in what was the 942nd game of his managerial career, Pep Guardiola saw his side fail to win a match after leading by three goals. Remarkable. pic.twitter.com/1Ehm11ax8D

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 26, 2024

Slot was also able to provide an update on defensive duo Conor Bradley and Ibrahima Konate, who appeared to have suffered injuries during the win over Madrid.

No player made more tackles (four), won more duels (eight), won more fouls (three) or provided more assists (one) than Bradley against Los Blancos.

Konate also impressed on Wednesday, making more interceptions (two) than any of his Liverpool teammates. Slot said the pair were still being assessed ahead of City's visit to Anfield on Sunday.

“They're still being assessed, so it's hard to know where they are,” Slot said.

“Let's wait and see, but it's never a good sign when players Conor I had to take him off the field and Ibou didn't walk off the field as he should after such a fantastic match.

“He should have made a round and clapped for the fans, but unfortunately he couldn't, so that's not a good sign.”

However, there was good news about the fitness of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who returned to the Reds bench on Wednesday but was an unused substitute.

The England international has missed the last three games for club and country with a hamstring injury.

Only Mohamed Salah, 22, has created more chances than Alexander-Arnold in the Premier League for Liverpool this season, with Slot confirming he would be fit to start against City.

“Like I just said, they're still being assessed. We'll have to wait and see where they are this weekend and beyond. Trent [Alexander-Arnold] will be fit to start,” Slot added.