PSV boss backs Arne Slot to sort Liverpool 'problem' and 'special' Florian Wirtz to shine

Peter Bosz

Peter Bosz has backed Arne Slot to turn around Liverpool’s fortunes as the PSV Eindhoven boss prepares to make his first visit to Anfield.

The Reds have lost eight of their last 11 matches ahead of Wednesday night’s clash with the Eredivisie outfit.

Bosz has locked horns with Slot five times in the past, suffering defeat just once and winning three times - including in last season’s final Champions League league phase match.

PSV ran out 3-2 winners on that occasion back in January, in a game which was essentially a dead-rubber for a much-changed Liverpool who were already assured of a top-two finish.

In contrast, the Reds find themselves under increasing pressure ahead of their latest clash with the Dutch side considering their recent loss of form.

But Bosz has praised Slot ahead of the game and is adamant he will turn things around for Liverpool, but admits he would rather face the Reds when they are out of form.

Bosz

“No, (I have no sympathy for him). He's a great trainer,”

“He has so much quality, he will turn it around.

“Where they have a problem is all the good purchases they brought in, how do you make a team which gels together?

“I don't doubt it will happen. I know he is going to be able to deal with this and get out of it.

“If you look at the last match when they lost 3-0. How is it possible, that's what you start thinking. We're here to play a good match, it should be about us, not the opponent.

“I haven't got a crystal ball. I'd rather play against a team that is not in form than one which is.

“I really can't be bothered answering that (the difference between Liverpool in the Premier League and Champions League). I would have to have really studied what's going on and I haven't.

“We have to be PSV and play our own way. Liverpool have their own way of playing, tomorrow it is about who does it the best.”

He continued: “If I think about Liverpool, I think about all the big players who have played here.

“The strikers are the most well known but there are so many big players who played here. If you look at the trophies they have won it is unbelievable.

“What Liverpool stands for, that makes it an important match. As a coach it's nice to sit on the bench and as a player it's even better.

“I find it really nice. I've played at a lot of stadiums but this hasn't been on the list, so great.

“I played at Goodison Park as a player but I never played at Liverpool. It will be great to experience it. But when we play tomorrow it is about one thing – win the match.”

Having previously just over two seasons as Bayer Leverkusen manager, Bosz previously worked with Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz.

The German, who has endured a slow start at Anfield, is set to miss the clash with PSV after sitting out open training on Tuesday.

But Bosz is confident that the 22-year-old will soon prove himself for the Reds, considering him one of the best players he has ever worked with.

Bosz

“He is the best player I’ve ever worked with at his age,”

“He was 16 when he was allowed to come and train with us. I didn't let him go anywhere else, so good he was.

“I've had other lads come and train with us but he was really special. With Florian it was obvious from the beginning.

“It will take time for him to get used to the Premier League. The intensity in his league is higher than any other league in the world. The Bundesliga has a lot of intensity but here you have to have time to get used to it.

“I saw at 16 how he adapted to the training and he was technically perfect and football intelligence he was on a good level. For those reasons, he can play intelligent football. He will be fine.”

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