Liverpool will host Fulham in the 16th round of the English Premier League (EPL) at 23:00 BST tonight. Before the match, Liverpool's defensive stalwart Arnold accepted Sky Sports' in-depth interview, talking about the team's brilliant season, the charm of the new manager Sloter and his personal career blueprint.
In the face of Liverpool's double lead at home and abroad, Arnold confessed, "We are standing at an excellent starting point, with momentum. Especially in the league, our performance is particularly dazzling; as for the Champions League, under the new system, we have the opportunity to occupy a favorable position just by maintaining stability." He revealed that the team did not foresee this kind of result at the beginning of the season, but what they have achieved now is truly exciting.
Speaking about the team's smooth transition after Klopp's departure, Arnold believes, "Instead of dwelling on the past, we adapted quickly to the new coach's system and tactics. The guidance and positive attitude of the veterans allowed us to integrate quickly and give our best. Although we were a little apprehensive about the future at first, we soon realized that the changes were not as drastic as we had imagined and enjoyed them instead."
Of new manager Slaughter, Arnold said, "From the first time I met him, I knew I would enjoy playing under his guidance. I was impressed with his attention to detail, which is what I appreciate. He explained the importance of standing up and being aware of your position even when the ball is on the other side. That kind of challenge is exactly what I'm looking for because it suits my style of play perfectly."
Speaking about his personal injuries, Arnold admits that it still feels tough to face the challenges, but he also knows how precious the days are when he's healthy. The injury has made him appreciate his playing days even more, even if waking up in the morning feeling tired and stiff is a feeling he craves. He missed important games but aims to be back as soon as possible for the showdown with Manchester City.
Arnold also emphasized that Liverpool is now more mature and challenging. The team is more focused on results rather than individual stats. He is close to the milestone of contributing 100 assists for Liverpool, but he never expected to reach such an achievement. As for the team's dreams and goals for the rest of the season, he is confident that the team is capable of winning multiple honors.
Finally, Arnold revealed his future plans. He has spent 20 years at Liverpool, signing multiple contract extensions. Regarding the contract extension negotiations with Liverpool, he said that these negotiations have been kept confidential and this time is no exception. He will continue to play for Liverpool and looks forward to contributing more to the team in the future.
