"I do see him taunt opponents a bit too much" - When new Liverpool boss Arne Slot labeled Manchester United star as 'arrogant'

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot once branded Manchester United full-back Tyrell Malacia as arrogant on the ball.

Malacia played under Slot at Feyenoord before his move to Manchester United. Slot praised the full-back for his ability to drive forward. However, the Dutch manager pointed out that Malacia is vulnerable with the ball in his feet. He said (via Express):

"When we're behind he's typically the player to try and force the issue, or to ignite a spark with a run or a tackle. [But] I do see him taunt opponents a bit too much."

Slot continued:

"He almost shows too mucg of the ball, to get them to bite. At times, it's too much. He looks a bit complacent, arrogant even, I want to talk to him about that."

While Slot previously coached Malacia, his arrival to Liverpool would see him become a direct rival to the full-back. Malacia, though, hasn't played a single minute of the 2023-24 season due to an injury issue.

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Next Liverpool boss Arne Slot has previously praised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag

Liverpool boss Arne Slot praised Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag in February 2023. Slot pointed out that Ten Hag is setting the benchmark for Dutch coaches.

Ten Hag joined United in 2022 and made significant improvements at the club in the 2022-23 season. Slot said at that time (via Manchester Evening News):

"Erik is doing great and that is fantastic for the entire Dutch trainers' guild. It took quite a long time before a number of great trainers from the Netherlands got s successor. That seems to me the case with Ten Hag. Certainly the way it happens and how praiseworthy it is spoken about is a positive developement for me and all Dutch people."

Slot and Ten Hag are now expected to be in different dugouts of two of the biggest English clubs. However, Ten Hag's future is under scrutiny at the moment after an eighth-placed Premier League finish for the Red Devils.