SHOCKING: Forest in Title Race, Says Liverpool Boss Slot
SHOCKING: Forest in Title Race, Says Liverpool Boss Slot
January 14, 2025 – Anfield, Liverpool
In an astonishing declaration that has sent shockwaves through English football, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has claimed that newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are in the Premier League title race this season, sparking a mixture of disbelief and intrigue among pundits and fans alike.
Speaking at a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Leicester City, Slot stunned the gathered media by boldly suggesting that Steve Cooper’s Forest, who are currently sitting in an unexpected fourth place in the league, are legitimate contenders for the crown this year.
“Listen, it’s early, but you have to give credit where credit’s due,” Slot began, his voice calm but his words laden with conviction. “Nottingham Forest have been one of the best teams in the league this season. They play with a hunger, a structure, and a belief that most of the so-called big clubs can only dream of. You look at their squad, the tactical discipline, and the momentum they’ve built — this is not a fluke. Forest are in the title race
The 45-year-old Dutchman, who took charge of Liverpool in the summer, continued: “We’ve seen it before in football, smaller clubs disrupting the traditional powerhouses. But what Forest are doing now isn’t just a surprise package. They have quality players, a solid system, and they’re collecting points week in and week out. They have a real shot.”
The comments come after Forest’s remarkable run of form that has seen them go unbeaten in their last 13 league matches. Led by the astute Cooper, Forest have been particularly impressive against top-tier opposition, securing vital victories over Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal. Their well-organized defense, coupled with the attacking flair of the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi and Brennan Johnson, has made them one of the most difficult teams to break down in the league.
In a season where defending champions Manchester City and the traditional heavyweights of Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United have jostled for supremacy at the top, Forest’s unexpected surge has turned heads.
Liverpool, who themselves sit just two points behind league leaders City, have been one of the standout teams this campaign. Yet, Slot’s recognition of Forest as a title contender has sparked a wave of speculation about how long the surprise side from the East Midlands can maintain their challenge.
Cooper, who has overseen Forest’s meteoric rise, responded to the praise from Slot with a mixture of humility and pride. “We’re taking each game as it comes,” Cooper said after his side’s 2-0 victory over Brighton. “Arne’s comments are very kind, but we know that there’s still a long way to go. We are focused on improving every week and working hard to stay competitive.”
The football world is abuzz with the prospect of a genuine fairy tale. Forest’s potential involvement in the title race would be unprecedented, with the club only returning to the Premier League in 2021 after a 23-year absence. A title challenge would represent one of the most remarkable stories in modern English football, should they manage to continue their blistering form.
As for Liverpool, Slot’s comments underscore his respect for the competition and perhaps a recognition that this season is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With the Premier League’s mid-season form table so tightly packed, it’s clear that, for now, even the most surprising teams — like Forest — deserve to be taken seriously in the race for the crown.