Liverpool manager Arne Slot is preparing for an intriguing reunion with fellow Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy as Leicester City visit Anfield. The two previously clashed in the Eredivisie when Slot managed Feyenoord and Van Nistelrooy led PSV Eindhoven. Despite Slot’s mixed results against his counterpart during that period, Feyenoord triumphed in the league, finishing seven points ahead of PSV.
Feyenoord vs. PSV: A Rivalry Revisited
Slot humorously acknowledged the past meetings. “I was expecting you to tell the people over here that I lost once and drew once, but you made it positive saying we won the league title, which was true,” Slot remarked.
He also credited Cody Gakpo, now a Liverpool forward, who was pivotal in one of PSV’s victories over Feyenoord. “Cody scored in a 4-3 victory for Ruud’s team, so I’m happy he’s on my side now,” Slot noted.
Slot praised Van Nistelrooy’s tenure at PSV, emphasizing the team’s strong second half of the season. “They didn’t lose at all during that period. Ruud demonstrated he could compete for titles,” he said.
Van Nistelrooy’s Challenges at Leicester
Van Nistelrooy faces a different challenge with Leicester City, who currently sit just two points above the Premier League relegation zone. After winning his debut match as Leicester’s manager, the team has taken only one point from their last three games.
Slot acknowledged the difficulty of Van Nistelrooy’s task. “Teams in the lower half often lose games, but Ruud has already secured a win. They’ll be motivated for a special outing at Anfield, knowing they have to be at their best,” Slot said.
Liverpool’s Fitness Concerns
Liverpool will be hoping for the return of Federico Chiesa, who has had a challenging start to life at Anfield due to fitness issues and illness. The Italy international missed Sunday’s match after playing in the Carabao Cup victory over Southampton.
“Unfortunately, Federico was sick after getting some minutes against Southampton, so we couldn’t include him in the squad for London,” Slot explained.
Defenders Conor Bradley (hamstring) and Ibrahima Konaté (knee) remain unavailable, adding to Liverpool’s selection headaches.
Eye on Anfield
As Slot’s Liverpool team prepares to host Leicester in the late kick-off, the focus will be on maintaining intensity. Reflecting on the team’s defensive lapse in their recent 6-3 win over Tottenham, Slot stressed the importance of concentration.
“In the Premier League, you can’t underestimate any moment because then you’re not as good as you think,” he said.
For Slot and Van Nistelrooy, the reunion is more than just a managerial clash—it’s a continuation of a competitive narrative that has shifted from the Eredivisie to the Premier League.