Liverpool manager Arne Slot says Chelsea have set themselves up to finish in the “top four or three positions” over the coming years.

The Blues’ recruitment model has been the subject of a lot of criticism but Slot believes that the club’s recent form demonstrates “they are already a threat” in terms of competing for Champions League places:

“It is not up to me to say something about an approach. The only thing I saw is they were really successful in the second half of last season, it is a good forecast to what you can expect the next season.”

“They got some good players and a good manager in, it is a young team, a lot of long-term contracts, they are in a good place if I look at the quality they have, if I look at the way they play.”

“They got a lot of criticism in recent years but if you look at where they are now, they are already a threat for the top four or three positions, and they will be in the upcoming years if they can continue bringing good players in and keeping this squad in place.”

Chelsea face Slot’s team this weekend

Enzo Maresca’s men should be relishing the opportunity to play at Anfield on Sunday. There is no real pressure on them heading into the fixture.

Liverpool are top of the table and they will be expected to win on their own patch, and Slot is clearly anticipating a tough game based on his comments.

Team news ahead of Liverpool v Chelsea

Maresca will be without both Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella for the match due to suspension. The pair picked up their fifth bookings of the season against Nottingham Forest before the international break.

Captain Reece James could be in the matchday squad for the first time this season, having fully recovered from a hamstring injury, while Levi Colwill and Carney Chukwuemeka are also expected to be available. The former had picked up a knock whilst on England duty. Read more team news here.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here