New Delhi: When Jurgen Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool at the end of the 2023-24 season, the fear among fans was palpable. Klopp wasn’t just a manager; rather, he was a force of nature, a transformative figure who had restored belief at Anfield. Replacing him felt like an impossible task. Names like Xabi Alonso, then making waves in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen, circulated widely before he confirmed he would stay with Bayern. That left Liverpool looking elsewhere, and they found Arne Slot.
Even among the football-savvy, Slot wasn’t a household name in England. He was a respected figure in the Netherlands, having impressed at Feyenoord, but few expected him to walk into the Premier League and immediately thrive. But the Dutch thrived and in fact, in a spectacular fashion. In his very first season at the helm, Slot not only steadied the Liverpool ship but sailed it triumphantly to a 20th league title, matching Manchester United’s record.
Antonio Conte was the last outsider who won the Premier League in his debut season at Chelsea. The Reds’ triumph is not like the historic upset achieved by Leicester City in 2016 but priced at 13/2 at the start of the season, and with their iconic manager Jurgen Klopp departing, this wasn’t supposed to be Liverpool’s season with Manchester City dominance increasing Liverpool’s triumph was not even on the cards.
Arne Slot proved his doubters wrong! 🤫 pic.twitter.com/i7Kw0iwHl2
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 27, 2025
As Slot said recently, “The main aim in what they told me is to look at the players, give your opinion about it so we can go into this project in the second and the third year.” The aim was to win it in the second or the third season, but the changes turned out positive, and the Merseyside capitalised on City’s sudden and unexpected fall in a manner none of its rivals could.
Slot’s subtle but significant touch
The task before Arne Slot was enormous, but he maintained the momentum that Klopp left and had built on without becoming a mere imitation. Liverpool’s supporters didn’t want a Klopp tribute act; rather, they wanted someone who could be himself, and Slot embraced the same fully. As Slot himself said in February, “What we do know is that no one saw us as a title contender when we started at the beginning of the season.”
The Reds made minimal additions to the squad, with Federico Chiesa being the standout signing and Slot geniusly laid in, enhancing what he really had in the team. His tactical tweaks restored energy and precision, with players like Ryan Gravenberch shining under his guidance while Cody Gakpo hit a new level of productivity. Even Mohammed Salah, whose future was often a topic of debate, outshone under Slot, posting incredible numbers on the board.
Salah has registered 28 Premier League goals and 18 assists in 34 appearances compared to 18 goals and 10 assists in 32 appearances under Klopp’s final season. Slot side has spent 206 days at the top of the standings with 25 wins in 34 games and just two defeats.
🏆 Jurgen Klopp 2019/20
🏆 Arne Slot 2024/25LIVERPOOL HERITAGE pic.twitter.com/GORt62LllJ
— Premier League India (@PLforIndia) April 27, 2025
A huge part of Slot’s early success can be traced to how methodical he was behind the scenes. Early on, he studied Liverpool’s data from their title-winning 2019-20 season compared to Klopp’s final year. Instead of rousing speeches, he used hard evidence highlighting reduced sprints and waning effectiveness to gently but firmly communicate the changes needed. Training times shifted to earlier starts, breakfast became a team event at 9:15 AM, and lighter but longer training sessions reduced the risk of injuries that had previously plagued the Reds.
Slot also modernised the support staff. Fitness expert Ruben Peeters joined from Feyenoord, and a reshuffling within Liverpool’s medical team strengthened the club’s backroom structure. Even the psychological side wasn’t ignored: a “body wake-up” routine with breathing exercises helped players approach games and training with a sharper mind.
Beyond tactics and fitness, Slot’s emotional intelligence has been just as vital. His bond with Liverpool’s community was cemented when he befriended young Liverpool fan Issac Kearney, who has a rare genetic disorder. Arne personally introduced him to the players, showcasing his human touch that endeared him even further to the Anfield faithful. His relaxed manner during the press conferences was sprinkled with jokes and smiles. His honest reflections have been something special, admitting when his father wasn’t impressed by the Reds’ win, highlighting a man deeply comfortable in his own skin.
Slot was not without his fiery side as when he was given a red card during a feisty Merseyside Derby draw, he showed the passion that was bubbling beneath the calm exterior. But such a side was rare to be seen as his friend Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld noted, Slot rarely dwells on setbacks; he prefers to move forward with the same calm optimism that first defined him in his early coaching days.
The Dutchman didn’t even let the weight of replacing Klopp crush him. Instead, he beautifully managed to turn it into his greatest strength, acknowledging Klopp’s legacy without being burdened by him.
Slot etches his name in the history
With Liverpool clinching the title with four games to spare and reaching the 90-point mark once again, Slot’s first season ranks among the most impressive debut campaigns in Premier League history, joining an elite club featuring names like Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, and Antonio Conte.
Arne Slot joins an elite club. ☝️ pic.twitter.com/wBY4C5akWj
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 27, 2025
As Liverpool now looks ahead, dreams of consecutive titles have returned to Merseyside. Slot will surely look to strengthen the squad this summer but he won’t stray from the philosophy that has served him so well: improve from within, build smartly, and above all, stay true to who he is.
For a club that was once gripped with anxiety about life after Klopp, Slot has offered not just hope but a reminder that even after a glorious chapter ends, the next one can be just as thrilling.
Liverpool thrashed Tottenham 5-1 to claim the Premier League title, with Arne Slot leading the Reds to equal Manchester United’s record of 20 league championships after succeeding Jurgen Klopp. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
