What Arne Slot had to say about texts with Eddie Howe before Liverpool return

Arne Slot has only exchanged text messages with one other Premier League manager: Eddie Howe. He holds his counterpart in such high regard that he's tipped him to eventually take the reins as England head coach.

However, whether Newcastle's boss would be open to receiving texts from his Liverpool counterpart at present may become clear on Monday evening when they face off at St James' Park.

A lot has transpired between the clubs since Slot and Howe shared cordial messages following Newcastle's Carabao Cup triumph over the Reds at Wembley.

Most notably, Liverpool's chase of Alexander Isak, the Magpies striker who has gone on strike to push for a move to Anfield. "I don't know," was Slot's response when questioned if this summer's events have strained relations between the clubs.

"The only manager I've ever texted with was Eddie Howe (in the Premier League). In Holland, I texted with a few more, but after the League Cup final we did exchange a few messages.", reports the Mirror.

"If I see him I will be the same as I was last year, and I expect nothing different from him as well. On a higher level, I have no clue. For me it's still the same relationship with him."

Liverpool will descend upon the North East on Monday night as formidable adversaries. They'll be up against a Newcastle team weakened by Isak's absence and a summer where they've struggled - so far at least - to secure their top targets, save for Anthony Elanga, Jacob Ramsey, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale.

Liverpool's attack is bolstered by the arrival of Hugo Ekitike, a forward target missed by Newcastle, who now find themselves short up front after Isak's strike and their failure to secure several attacking options.

The connection between Slot and Howe runs through Richard Hughes, Liverpool's sporting director, who shared time with the Newcastle manager at Portsmouth and later at Bournemouth, which has fostered their rapport.

"In general I have sympathy for Eddie Howe because he is a great human being, he's always polite, so that is my general feeling about him," remarked the Liverpool gaffer.

"It's maybe not a coincidence that I've texted with him because I think he's a very nice and honest, polite colleague. For the rest, I don't need to have sympathy for a manager that can still have the availability of [Anthony] Gordon, [Jacob] Murphy, Elanga, [Harvey] Barnes.

"They didn't replace [Callum] Wilson did they? You don't need to have sympathy for a manager who has so many good players in his squad. But in general, I think I like him and I don't think it will be a surprise to anyone if eventually he is going to lead the national team of England as well. Good human being and a very good manager."

An intense atmosphere awaits at St James' Park, with fans riled up over their star player being tempted away by the reigning Premier League champions.

"If that is even possible," Slot mused when questioned about the potential for a more hostile atmosphere. "Because it was very intense the last time we played there as well. It's actually always that way when Newcastle play a home game, let alone an evening game.

"It's always so, so, so intense. So I don't know if that is an extra reason for them. I don't even know if it is what the players and the manager are thinking as well.

"Of course, social media and people write a lot, but is this truly what the players are thinking and the manager is thinking? I don't know. I have no clue."

There's a sense that once tonight's match is done, Liverpool might revisit their interest in Isak following an unsuccessful £110 million ($150 million) offer. Slot is keen to add another forward to his ranks after parting ways with Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, compounded by the devastating loss of Diogo Jota.

However, he maintains that with the acquisitions of Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, his attacking options are sufficient, suggesting that not signing another striker wouldn't be a risky move. "That's the answer, yeah," Slot confirmed when pressed on whether he's content with his current squad.

Still, there's an undeniable buzz that tonight's game could add another twist to the ongoing saga of Isak potentially joining Liverpool, alongside its significance as a pivotal Premier League clash.