Arne Slot admits texts with Eddie Howe as Liverpool set for Alexander Isak transfer fury
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Arne Slot has respect for Eddie HoweArne Slot has only shared texts with one fellow Premier League manager and that’s Eddie Howe.
He respects his rival so much he has backed him to one day become England head coach.
But whether or not the Newcastle boss would be so receptive to messages at the moment from his Liverpool counterpart may be discovered on Monday evening when they meet at St James’ Park.
A lot has happened between the clubs since Slot and Howe exchanged pleasantries over messages in the aftermath of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup victory against the Reds at Wembley.
Most obviously Liverpool’s pursuit of Alexander Isak, the Magpies front man who has gone on strike to force a move to Anfield.
“I don't know,” Slot said when asked if this summer’s events have damaged relations between the clubs.
“The only manager I've ever texted with was Eddie Howe (in the Premier League ).
But they’ll face a Newcastle side weakened by Isak’s absence and a summer where they’ve failed - so far at least - to sign their top targets with the exception of Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale.
It is in attack where they are light given Isak’s strike and the failure to sign numerous forward targets, including Hugo Ekitike who will line up for Liverpool.
Slot and Howe have a mutual connection in Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s sporting director who played with the Newcastle manager at Portsmouth before working together at Bournemouth, and he cites that as the reason they’ve connected.
Arne Slot wants to sign Alexander Isak(Image: Getty Images)
“In general I have sympathy for Eddie Howe because he is a great human being, he’s always polite, so that is my general feeling about him,” said the Liverpool boss.
“It’s maybe not a coincidence that I’ve texted with him because I think he’s a very nice and honest, polite colleague.
Good human being and a very good manager.”
Liverpool go to St James’ Park for what should be an almost feral atmosphere with a fan base angered that their star man is being lured away by the Premier League champions.
Isak wants to leave Newcastle(Image: George Wood, Getty Images)
“If that is even possible,” said Slot when asked if the atmosphere will be more hostile.
“That’s the answer, yeah,” was Slot’s response when asked to confirm he’s happy with his squad as it is.
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Yet you still get the feeling that tonight will be another chapter of the Isak to Liverpool story as well as a crunch Premier League fixture.
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