Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta gives Arne Slot verdict ahead of Liverpool clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been speaking about Liverpool’s new head coach Arne Slot for the first time.

Liverpool will face Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in the USA after the two sides went head-to-head in the title race last season.

The pair both lost out to Manchester City in the end but this game will be a chance to see if they are ready to go again.

It will certainly be some rival fans’ chance to see Slot’s Liverpool in action for the first time and Arteta is expecting a tough encounter.

ARTETA HAS HEARD GOOD THINGS ABOUT SLOT

In his press conference previewing the Liverpool friendly, Arteta was asked what he thinks about Slot and what he may bring to the Premier League.

He said: “Well I don’t know him personally but I watched his past team and first of all I like him a lot as a person.

“The way he comes across, I heard very good things from players, who are probably the best ones to ask as well.

“Really impressive as well how he sets up his teams; the clarity and the quality of the team shows, so it is going to be a really good game.”

The pair have never faced each other in a competitive game in the past with Feyenoord and Arsenal not being drawn against each other in European competitions.

Arteta has already been through two friendlies so far this summer as Arsenal drew against Bournemouth before winning on penalties. They then beat Manchester United in the 90 minutes before losing on spot-kicks.

Slot has also had two pre-season games but one of them was behind closed doors against Preston before the USA tour began with a win over Real Betis.

Both sides are expected to field two full starting line-ups at some point during the 90 minutes as that is what they have done in every friendly so far.