'Similar To El Clasico...': Liverpool Boss Likens Man City Clash To Iconic Spanish Rivalry

Last Updated:November 07, 2025, 17:33 IST

Reds boss Arne Slot compared this high-profile PL fixture between Liverpool and Manchester City to the renowned Spanish rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Liverpool Manager Arne Slot. (AFP Photo)

Premier League champions Liverpool will face Manchester City in their upcoming English top-flight fixture on Sunday. Reds boss Arne Slot compared this high-profile match to the renowned Spanish rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Liverpool began the season with seven consecutive wins but then encountered an unexpected downturn, losing six out of the next seven games. However, they bounced back with victories against Aston Villa in the Premier League and Real Madrid in the Champions League last week.

Given the circumstances, defeating City away on Sunday to secure a trio of wins within nine days would be a significant achievement for Liverpool, who are now seven points behind leader Arsenal in the title race.

Slot described it as one of the biggest games in world football, akin to the ‘Clasico’ between Real Madrid and Barcelona in Spain.

“It’s a very interesting game to look forward to. When I was in Holland, I always made sure to watch City-Liverpool or Liverpool-City matches. These are the few games everyone eagerly anticipates," the Dutchman said. “What I appreciate about Pep Guardiola’s teams is that they consistently deliver great football without time-wasting or similar tactics, which I increasingly dislike."

Liverpool striker Alexander Isak will rejoin training with the senior squad on Friday after a three-week absence, ahead of the crucial Premier League clash with Manchester City.

Isak, who joined Liverpool for a reported $170 million, making him the British record signing in the summer transfer window, has missed Liverpool’s last four games due to a groin problem.

This has contributed to Isak’s slow start at Anfield, having trained separately from the main Newcastle squad during the preseason while pushing for the move to Liverpool. He has scored just one goal in eight games across all competitions for his new club.

“Three weeks ago, I mentioned that his preseason has ended, so now it’s time to assess his progress," said Liverpool manager Arne Slot.

Slot noted that Isak’s latest injury has further delayed the striker’s attempt to regain full fitness after a disrupted preseason.

“Again, I must stress the need to give him some time," Slot added.

News sports 'Similar To El Clasico...': Liverpool Boss Likens Man City Clash To Iconic Spanish Rivalry

Read More