When Jürgen Klopp announced his departure from Liverpool at the end of last season, fans feared the worst.
After all, Klopp had overseen a transformation at Anfield that turned the Reds into a global powerhouse. From Champions League triumphs to Premier League dominance, Klopp’s reign was nothing short of legendary. So, when Arne Slot stepped into Klopp’s enormous shoes, many believed it would take time—if not seasons—for Liverpool to recover, let alone thrive.
However, in a twist few saw coming, Slot has hit the ground running. Seven games into the Premier League season, Liverpool are top of the table, and his arrival has sparked a tactical and mental resurgence within the squad. How has Slot managed to achieve what was thought impossible? Let’s break down the key factors behind his early success.
The Klopp Legacy: Foundations of Slot’s Success
While Arne Slot deserves tremendous credit, it’s essential to recognize that Klopp laid a solid foundation at Anfield. The team’s core was already there, packed with talent like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Klopp’s philosophy of high-energy, gegenpressing football had been ingrained into the squad. Slot didn’t need to rebuild; he needed to refine.
Slot’s Tactical Tweaks: A Conservative Approach with Flair
Slot hasn’t tried to copy Klopp’s heavy-metal football. Instead, he has introduced a more controlled, methodical style. His tactics are still aggressive in transition, but there’s a greater emphasis on structure. For example, while Klopp’s Liverpool would press relentlessly, Slot’s team has been more selective in their pressing, focusing on maintaining shape and exploiting specific vulnerabilities in the opposition.
A standout example was Liverpool’s 3-0 demolition of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Slot’s game plan was meticulous. He identified that United’s full-backs often left gaps when pushing high up the pitch, forcing Casemiro to drop deep. By keeping Salah and Luis Díaz high and wide, Liverpool constantly created one-on-one situations. The result? Díaz scored twice, and Salah contributed a goal and two assists. It wasn’t luck; it was a tactical masterclass.
Slot’s transitional play has also been impressive, though slightly less chaotic than Klopp’s approach. His Liverpool team is more patient in possession, looking to pull opponents out of position before exploiting space—an evolution that fits Liverpool’s identity but modernizes their approach.
Man Management: Slot’s Secret Weapon
Beyond tactics, Slot’s ability to manage and get the best out of players has been pivotal. Luis Díaz, who struggled with form and finishing last season, has been revitalized, leading the team in Premier League goals. Cody Gakpo, initially seen as a striker, has thrived as a winger under Slot, contributing four goal involvements in just three starts. Even Darwin Núñez, heavily criticized last season, has begun to show signs of improvement.
However, the most significant transformation has been that of Ryan Gravenberch. Written off by many after an underwhelming spell at Bayern Munich and a quiet debut season at Liverpool, Gravenberch has flourished under Slot. Slot moved him into a deeper, holding midfield role, unlocking his full potential. So impressive has Gravenberch been that Liverpool fans are now glad they missed out on Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi over the summer.
Defensive Solidity: The Best in the Premier League?
One of Slot’s most remarkable achievements has been Liverpool’s defensive improvement. Despite injuries to key players like Alisson Becker, Liverpool have conceded just two goals in seven Premier League games and four across all competitions. They boast the best defensive record in England and one of the best in Europe, with only Juventus conceding fewer goals in the top five leagues.
Slot’s ability to rotate his defense without sacrificing stability has been crucial. Players like Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson have been taken off early in games to rest, yet the team has not dropped in performance. Liverpool’s defensive record is even more impressive considering Alisson’s absence, with third-choice goalkeeper Vítězslav Jaroš keeping a clean sheet against Crystal Palace.
Challenges Ahead: Squad Changes Looming?
While Slot’s start at Liverpool has been electric, challenges lie ahead. Several key players, including Salah, Van Dijk, and Alexander-Arnold, are nearing the ends of their contracts. There’s a growing sense that Real Madrid will push hard to sign Alexander-Arnold, while Salah’s future has also been a topic of speculation. Slot may face a period of rebuilding sooner than expected, especially with Allison’s future also uncertain.
Liverpool have already begun planning for this potential exodus, with the signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili as a long-term goalkeeper option. However, the departure of these players, who have formed the core of Klopp’s Liverpool, will test Slot’s ability to rebuild while maintaining the high standards he’s set.
The Future: What Can Liverpool Achieve This Season?
With Liverpool sitting atop the Premier League, fans are beginning to dream again. Could they challenge for the title this season? Could they even compete for the Champions League?
Slot has proven he can elevate his team to compete at the highest level, but the real test will come when the squad faces its most challenging stretch of the season. Can they maintain their consistency, especially if injuries or key departures shake the squad?
Conclusion: Slot’s Liverpool Revival is No Fluke
Arne Slot has done more than just stabilize Liverpool post-Klopp—he’s revived them. His tactical nuance, man management, and defensive solidity have given Liverpool a new lease on life, and they are already reaping the rewards. Klopp may have built the foundation, but Slot is turning it into a new era of success. Liverpool fans who once feared a downturn now find themselves excited about the future.
The big question now is: how far can Slot take them?
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