Arne Slot reveals he has only messaged one Premier League coach

Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot has drawn attention by admitting that since moving to England, he has only exchanged messages with a single colleague in the Premier League

Ahead of the trip to St James’ Park, Liverpool’s Arne Slot disclosed that he has communicated via text with Eddie Howe. However, the Dutch coach emphasized that “sympathy has its limits,” especially as Newcastle struggles amid the Alexander Isak transfer saga.

The Swedish striker is pushing to leave Newcastle to complete a record £110 million move to Liverpool. Isak’s refusal to play has complicated Newcastle’s preparations for their first home game of the season. Previously, Liverpool’s signing of Hugo Ekitike had already heightened tensions between the two clubs.

While expressing empathy, Slot believes Newcastle still has strong options: “I have respect for Eddie Howe; he is a decent and polite person. But I don’t feel sorry for a manager who still has players like Gordon, Murphy, Elanga, and Barnes at his disposal. With such a squad, Newcastle remains very strong.”

Slot also revealed that Eddie Howe is the only Premier League manager he has messaged: “After the Carabao Cup final, I sent my congratulations. They truly deserved the trophy. If I meet him again on Monday, my respect for him will remain unchanged.”

Regarding Isak, Slot was candid: “I like Howe both as a person and a coach, but we’re not close friends. The questions you ask all revolve around Isak. Yes, we exchanged messages, but that doesn’t change the fact that Liverpool are direct competitors with Newcastle.”

Liverpool view Isak as a crucial piece in their quest to retain the Premier League crown. Meanwhile, Howe must find a way to lift his team’s spirit after losing their main striker. The match on the evening of August 25 promises to be intense, not only because of the on-field rivalry but also due to the high-profile transfer drama shaking English football.