Arne Slot Says Liverpool Could Get Major Boost in Next Term’s Title Race as Theory Raised

Arne Slot is still basking in the glory of Liverpool’s title victory but is already setting his sights on the upcoming season.

The manager believes that Liverpool could have a crucial advantage in their quest to retain the Premier League title, potentially even before the first match of the new campaign, thanks to the upcoming Club World Cup.

Both Manchester City and Chelsea have secured spots in the restructured FIFA tournament, which is scheduled to take place in the United States starting in mid-June, with 32 teams participating.

While both clubs are set to receive at least £50 million from their involvement in the event, Slot feels that the tournament could have a detrimental effect on the squads of Pep Guardiola and Enzo Maresca as they prepare for the new season.

He said: “We all have our opinion – and I think most people who work in football have the same opinion as me that this is maybe a tournament too far.

“When it’s being played we will probably all feel we would love to be there because it’s a great occasion.

“Maybe the best time to answer the question is after the tournament. But, at this moment, I would say eight out of 10 people who work in this business don’t feel it really necessary to have another tournament for players who have already had such a long season. In fact, maybe it’s 10 out of 10.”

Slot emphasised his concern for the players’ well-being, stating: “I don’t think it’s healthy for players to only have maybe one week off, go into a tournament, then have one week off and start the whole Premier League season again.

“That can never be good for the health of a player in terms of staying available for the whole season.

“If it’s a fantastic tournament then maybe it can also lift you towards next season. I’ve also worked at Feyenoord when we had to play qualifying games to go in the Conference League and we always started off the season really well because these games are so competitive.

“But we have to wait and see what it means for the long-term for these teams when their players have hardly had any days off.”

In other news, Liverpool Handed Major Contract Update as Trent Alexander-Arnold Early Exit ‘Conditions’ Emerge