Slot reveals he relishes difficult games because it’s helped cut out complacency

The hard-fought nature of Liverpool's victories under Arne Slot is preventing complacency from seeping in among the runaway Premier League leaders.

The Dutchman has won 17 of his first 19 games in succession to Jurgen Klopp and his side will be 11 points clear of Manchester City when they beat the champions at Anfield on Sunday.

Still, the hot streak was not without problems. In Liverpool's last seven games, they have only led at half-time once and beaten the opposition by more than two goals only once.

Slot believes the competitive nature of Liverpool's games has averted any risk of getting carried away.

“I think it's helped that every game we've won so far has been a tough win,” he said.

'When you win three or four games in a row 5-0, players tend to say, 'Oh, this is quite easy', but all our games were so exciting and we had to work so hard for it.

'I think all players know how difficult it is to achieve results. Sometimes I tell them that, but I think they feel that too.'

Slot is aiming to become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, although compatriots Ruud Gullit, Guus Hiddink and Erik ten Haag won domestic cups.

The 46-year-old has cut a calmer and more considered figure compared to Klopp's outsized personality.

The results have helped, but he is confident his personality will not change if Liverpool's form slips.

“I hope winning doesn't change, but when it does, I often think I'm still the same person. At AZ Alkmaar we haven't won in five games and I still think people thought I was the same.

“The people in this building would also say that if we lose, I will be thoughtful and calm. That's not to say I can't be angry, but I'm generally thoughtful and calm.

Finally, the Virgil van Dijk-Ibrahima Konate duo in the heart of the defense will probably have to break up with the injured Frenchman.

It should give Joe Gomez with Slot a chance to say: 'Joe was a fantastic replacement for Ibou in the match against Brighton, while Jarell (Quansah) is also doing well.

'If Ibou cannot play, we have two very good replacements for him.

'Of course we hope Ibou is available, but if he is not available we have to adapt as we have done this season when Jogo (Diogo Jota), Alisson and Trent (Alexander-Arnold) were out.