West Ham United boss will ‘salute’ Arne Slot despite Liverpool struggles | OneFootball

Slot under rising scrutiny as Liverpool face defining West Ham test

Liverpool approach Sunday with a tension that feels impossible to ignore. Slot, a title winner barely a year ago, now finds himself navigating a period that threatens to reshape his Anfield project. Six defeats in seven Premier League matches have dragged the champions into unfamiliar territory and another setback could deepen the uncertainty surrounding the Liverpool manager.

Nuno’s resurgence and the growing narrative

The subplot is unavoidable. Slot has struggled against Nuno in previous encounters, including last season when his Liverpool side failed to overcome the Portuguese coach’s Nottingham Forest. Since moving to West Ham, Nuno has lifted the Hammers with a three match unbeaten run that has brought renewed purpose and organisation. For Liverpool, this is a difficult fixture at precisely the wrong moment.

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That backdrop made Friday’s questions inevitable. Nuno was asked directly about the discussion swirling around Slot and whether defeat might bring consequences for the Liverpool manager. His experience in the precarious life of a Premier League boss shaped his response.

“There are always questions about every manager in the Premier League and around the world, raised by the press. It’s part of the industry,” said the Hammers boss.

Nuno’s nod of respect for Slot

Nuno, who was dismissed by Nottingham Forest after only three league games earlier in the season despite what many viewed as a stabilising stint, understands the brutality of top level management. He offered warm words for the man in the opposite dugout.

“I will salute Arne before the game as normal. But my focus is on myself, my team and on us getting the result we want.”

Those words may have been delivered with grace, but they underline the stakes. Should West Ham find the performance they believe they are capable of, they could apply a blow that further destabilises Liverpool’s campaign and intensifies scrutiny on Slot.

Liverpool challenge still commands respect

Despite Liverpool’s alarming run, Nuno is refusing to be lulled into complacency. His message was one of caution as he assessed the challenge West Ham face.

“I look at Liverpool individually for our game. I don’t make major analysis of their form. I’m focused on how we can compete against them and the challenges we have ahead,” he said.

“What we expect is the champions of the Premier League. They have incredibly talented players, who are capable of doing good things, so we have to be ready.

“We can’t predict how they’re going to line up, especially teams like Liverpool who are competing in Europe in midweek. But we know that no matter what, Liverpool will have immense quality all over the pitch, so we will have to be ready for that.”

That acknowledgement rings true. Liverpool’s quality remains unquestioned, yet West Ham sense an opportunity. With Slot fighting to reassert control and Nuno carrying momentum into Sunday, this meeting arrives with rare edge. For Liverpool, this is about revival. For West Ham and Nuno, it could be the moment their progress gains its most significant marker yet.