Liverpool manager Arne Slot has leapt to the defence of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, brushing aside recent criticism of the Spaniard and hailing the Gunners as a “special” team ahead of their Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday.
Arteta has come under fire following Arsenal’s Champions League exit at the hands of PSG and a stuttering run in the Premier League that sees them trail newly crowned champions Liverpool by 15 points.
With the Gunners now set to finish the season without silverware, scrutiny over Arteta’s tactical approach and overall progress has intensified.
However, Slot, speaking in his pre-match press conference, firmly rejected the narrative of failure.
“Mikel should get a lot of credit for the way his team plays,” Slot said. “Arsenal can play almost every style: low block, high press, set-pieces, build-up or long ball. That’s not something you see often.”
Slot emphasized that such tactical flexibility is rare, even among long-tenured managers, and reflects a high level of coaching intelligence.
Liverpool prepare to host Arsenal, with a guard of honour scheduled in recognition of their title win.
