Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo says his side will give Liverpool the respect they deserve ahead of their visit to Manchester City.
The Reds are six points clear of the Tricky Trees, but a win at home to Arne Slot would cut that gap to three points.
Forest remain the only side to beat Liverpool in the Premier League this season, winning 1-0 at Anfield in September.
Ahead of their second meeting of the campaign, Slot did not hesitate to label Nuno's men as title challengers and the former Tottenham boss is ignoring the noise and focusing on one game at a time.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday's clash, he said: “We have to play games. We are here to compete with all the teams and I think we are doing well. But nothing has changed in our approach, which will remain the same.
“We know what we can do. Our advantage We know each other's weaknesses. So let's play the game.
“I don't know, but I try my best and ignore what's around me. We never change. It's the way we see things. It's how the competition sees it. What I want to say is how we see life. Every day we focus on our work and tomorrow is hard.
🗣️ 'We know we can count on them.'
Nuno on your support before tomorrow. ❤️
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 13 2025
“Salah, Diaz, Gakpo, Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Van Dijk, Konate, Trent … quality. Very good team. They showed how good they are not only in the Premier League but also in Europe. We realize this and to play against Liverpool we need to face the game with real respect,” he said.
Forest are proving to be the closest challengers for the title outside the traditional top six after Leicester's famous victory in 2016.
While the Foxes went on to lift the trophy that season, Nuno's men will no doubt face a tougher task, snubbing the necks of Liverpool and Arsenal.
When pressed for an answer to his wishes for this term, the forester dodged the question once more.
He said, “It's not about the show. The season and our advantage. It's about weaknesses. It's about realizing what we can do and what we can do, and what we can do really well. Do it again and again and then take care of the weaknesses you have and the things you need to develop.
“But the basic principle of our approach is always the same. What we want to be is that one day we sit down and say that now we are a solid team that doesn't give too much to the opposition and at the same time we have quality. Pace in football and attack.
“These are all ideals. We are still looking into that.
Looking forward to Liverpool. 💪 pic.twitter.com/zTyFBwaUBi
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) January 13 2025
“I see a group of players really committed to doing well. What could happen in the future? I dont know. The proof is that we've done it before. The competition started well.
“I think I've improved from the tournament. I really believe that the more time players spend together, the more they get to know each other and the more they can play together.
“I see a better group of people than the players. A group of people who want to do things together. This is important: the bond; integration, This is something I really appreciate.”