Arne Slot, Liverpool’s newly appointed coach, maintains that only a slight enhancement is needed for Liverpool to clinch the Premier League title. However, Slot is eager to prove that his style of football isn’t merely a copy of Jürgen Klopp.
Liverpool introduced their new coach roughly a month after he officially commenced his role, with the delay designed to separate Slot from Klopp’s emotive departure. Despite this, Klopp’s influence was still palpable, with his name cited 11 times during the press briefing. Slot confessed the task was daunting, yet he anticipates the challenge of furthering Klopp’s legacy.
Slot, previously of Feyenoord, stated: “The gap at the Premier League summit is minimal and it can be challenging to make significant strides with already successful teams. Nonetheless, that final percentage is what distinguishes league leaders from those finishing third. Our ultimate goal is to top the league.
“We strive to maximise player capacity, at which point the gap will truly count. To reach this level requires continual hard work and improvement.”
Sat next to Slot, Richard Hughes, Liverpool’s incoming sporting director, acknowledged that Slot’s “aggressive, smart and passionate attacking football” not only justified his appointment as Klopp’s successor, but is also compatible with the team. They both suggested that extensive summer transfers were unlikely, considering the talent available and the refurbishment conducted last year.
Regarding the contract status of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, each having a year left on their contracts, Hughes refrained from commenting, asserting: “My and Arne’s primary concern is ensuring these players’ complete commitment for the next season, which we believe is unquestionable.”
Slot, the new head coach of Liverpool, has made it clear that while his managerial style will bear some similarities to his predecessor Jürgen, they are not identical. In his earlier stint with Feyenoord, Slot had found the existing playing style to be quite different from what he intended to introduce. He welcomes the existing similarities at Liverpool while also acknowledging the differences.
Slot has been adjusting to his new role amid the whirlwind of the Euros and Copa América. Nevertheless, he finds comfort in the breather expected after the first match, allowing for extended pre-season training.
Slot has had a productive conversation with Darwin Núñez, the Uruguayan footballer, who exhibited excellent performance at the Copa América. Núñez, who seemed dissatisfied during Klopp’s reign, has been assured by Slot of a stable position as the centre-forward.
With regard to his plans for Núñez, Slot commented: “As I’ve already expressed to him, I believe he would integrate well into this style. Despite some difficulties he’s faced in capitalising on opportunities, he’s frequently found himself in those positions.” Slot is firm about Núñez’s role and has clearly communicated his stance to the striker.
Slot recalls his sole visit to Anfield, in 2017, when Liverpool triumphed over Tottenham with Sadio Mané scoring both goals. It was long before he could even fathom that he would eventually return as the head coach. Back then, he was working with Cambuur Leeuwarden and had visited the training ground to meet Pepijn Lijnders, the erstwhile Liverpool assistant manager. He said his visit was professional, but he was able to get a sense of the club’s ethos despite it not being at the pinnacle of its success at the time.