Slot unexpectedly points out Liverpool's biggest rival

Coach Arne Slot predicts Chelsea will be a candidate to compete for the Premier League title this season, after revealing that "The Blues" were considered by him as the number one rival last season.

Liverpool begin their title defence tonight when they open the 2025/26 season at Anfield against Bournemouth. Following their impressive title triumph, Liverpool have continued their summer spending spree, taking their total spending to £270m with the latest signing being young Italian defender Giovanni Leoni.

This makes the Merseyside team the top candidate in the eyes of many. However, the Dutch strategist pointed out Chelsea as a big threat.

Slot praised Chelsea's squad depth and winning mentality, especially when the team won the Conference League and 2025 FIFA Club World Cup double in Enzo Maresca's first season.

Slot said: “I expected Chelsea to win the title last season. The quality they have is really impressive and Chelsea were in the race from the beginning of last season. After 10 rounds they were still close, even in December they were still there. In addition to the depth of the squad and the quality of the players, they also have a very good coach. They proved that through the titles they won last season."

“Fortunately for us, Chelsea went through a period of stagnation and that is why they could not compete for the title until the end. But now they continue to strengthen their squad and in my opinion, they are one of the teams that will compete fiercely for the title,” the Liverpool captain continued.

Maresca's squad this summer has seen quality additions such as Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Jorrel Hato and Estevao, while Cole Palmer remains the main striker. However, they are ranked by bookmakers outside the top contenders for the domestic title, which include Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City.

Source: https://znews.vn/slot-bat-ngo-chi-ra-doi-thu-lon-nhat-cua-liverpool-post1577169.html