'Stupid' - Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola agree about Premier League title rivals Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest continue to cement themselves as the Premier League's surprise package of the season.
Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo's men causing a shock with their title-chasing league position and performances, but they've even got the managers of rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to agree on something. That the East Midlands outfit should be seen as one of the best teams in the English top tier.
During a press conference with the media midweek, Pep Guardiola was asked about his side's difficult schedule ahead. The reporter mentioned fixtures against the likes of Arsenal, Newcastle, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest receive Yoane Wissa transfer response amid 'cannot see why' message
READ MORE: Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola singles out Nottingham Forest's 'elite' quality
But there was one name missing, and the Man City boss made sure to remind them: "And Nottingham," followed by an awkward silence, a serious nod, and a smirk spread across his face.
Forest, who will host the reigning Premier League champions at the City Ground on March 8, are six points ahead the Citizens in third position. While they are also just six points off leaders Liverpool, who under Arne Slot have only lost once in the league this season - to yes, you guessed it, Nottingham Forest.
And it turns out much like Guardiola, Slot is a keen admirer of the Reds. Speaking to PA about the different playing styles he adopts for certain games, he called Forest "probably the best in the league" - but at what?
The Dutchman, after explaining his dad's frustrations at Liverpool not being "exciting" all the time, said: "When I called him after the game [2-1 win over Lille in the Champions League] he says, ‘ah, it wasn’t as exciting as other games of Liverpool. I had to try to explain to him these games you can easily lose if you are starting to force all kinds of difficult balls but he’s not always agreeing with me then.
"That is the risk you have if you play against a low-block team. Nottingham Forest is probably the best in the league if you play these stupid balls – I call them stupid balls – which my father would love to see us playing a bit more."
High-flying Forest continue to gain the respect of their fellow Premier League teams. There is plenty of positivity around the club, especially after striker Chris Wood signed a contract extension, as fans look ahead to this weekend's Premier League game away to Bournemouth.
