Leicester City are gearing up for a monumental challenge on Boxing Day as they host Premier League leaders Liverpool.
The Reds have been dominant this season, losing just once in the league, while Leicester find themselves in a precarious position, sitting just two points above the relegation zone.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side faces a daunting festive schedule, with the potential to slip into the bottom three if results don’t go their way.
Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this clash, Van Nistelrooy will once again square off against Liverpool boss Arne Slot, a manager he knows well from their time in the Eredivisie.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record against Arne Slot
Van Nistelrooy is still carving out his managerial legacy, with just one full season at PSV Eindhoven under his belt, aside from a brief stint as Manchester United’s interim boss. During the 2022/23 campaign, he faced Slot twice, coming away with a win and a draw.
Their first meeting was a thrilling 4-3 victory for PSV, sealed by an 85th-minute winner. In the reverse fixture, Van Nistelrooy’s team surrendered a two-goal lead in the final 10 minutes, settling for a 2-2 draw.
These past encounters suggest that Van Nistelrooy is capable of going toe-to-toe with Slot, which could inspire Leicester fans ahead of this pivotal match.
What Van Nistelrooy said about Slot
Ahead of the Liverpool clash, Van Nistelrooy expressed his respect for Slot’s style of play, acknowledging the tactical challenge that lies ahead:
“I know how Arne wants to make his teams play. He’s got it right straight away,” said the Leicester boss.
“They are the dominant force also in the Champions League. The streak is remarkable. We have to be very compact, we have to be ready to know what we’re facing. We have to be ready to play too.
“It will be a great task but it’s a great chance to develop in all areas in the game, and that will help us towards the finish line.”
While Liverpool’s strength is undeniable, Van Nistelrooy’s past experience against Slot might give Leicester a glimmer of hope as they aim to pull off a Boxing Day upset.