Arne Slot explains why Liverpool and Brighton are different to rest of Premier League

The Liverpool head coach has spoken previously on his beliefs around playing style, and Slot praised Brighton's approach ahead of the FA Cup fourth-round tie at Anfield

Arne Slot praised Brighton's possession-based playing style

Arne Slot feels Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion share many stylistic traits and claims both are “completely different” to the majority of the Premier League clubs.

The pair locked horns in Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at Anfield, and despite the increasing pressure on head coach Fabian Hurzeler, Slot has been hugely complimentary of Brighton on several occasions this season.

The Liverpool head coach, who recently implied that playing an attractive style is equally as important as winning silverware, said ahead of Saturday’s game that he admires Hurzeler’s approach, which does not mimic the predominant Premier League tactics based more on long balls and set-pieces.

Asked what he anticipates from Brighton, Slot replied: “What we always expect from Brighton: well managed, can bring the ball out - it’s a completely different style than most teams in the Premier League have.

“I think two teams who have gone against what most of the other teams have done. All the other teams have gone to a set-piece style. I think if you look at us and Brighton, I definitely know for us, we are not a great set-piece side.

“So quite similar. Both teams are going to bring the ball out, both want to press high and have the ball. Both have been very unlucky this season, so it’s an interesting battle,” Slot told TNT Sports.

Slot has spoken about the importance of playing style this season(Image: Getty Images)

Brighton’s possession-based approach was certainly evident in the first 10 minutes at Anfield, when the Seagulls dominated the ball and created some encouraging openings.

It was also clear when Carlos Baleba attempted to wiggle through Liverpool’s intense press on the edge of his box in the 15th minute.

However, Brighton’s less physical style has not paid dividends on the pitch recently. The south-coast club has slipped to 14th in the table and is just seven points clear of the relegation places.

Slot has been impressed by Brighton's playing style(Image: AFP or licensors)

Reports have even suggested Hurzeler’s position is under threat, but the 32-year-old said after the midweek defeat to Aston Villa that he was pleased with the players’ response.

“I think the team took responsibility on their own, so I wasn't speaking that much after the game,” he said.

“They sent messages to each other that we have to keep doing these things that we did today, that we have to control the controllables, that we have to stick together, that we have to put our chin up again and search for the next opportunity.

“In the end, we can't always blame game luck. We have to take responsibility for the results, especially me, and I feel very sorry for the fans because they definitely deserve more because they were great today. They supported us.

“But we also know the reality where we are at the moment and to get out of these kinds of situations, you really have to stick together.”