Arne Slot has impressed at Anfield, but there's work to be done yet
Arne Slot has impressed at Anfield, but there's work to be done yet
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has quickly made himself a fan favourite at Anfield, consistently delivering beyond expectations after succeeding the legendary Jurgen Klopp.
Many fans will have questioned the Dutchman's capabilities when he was first appointed back in May, considering the long list of accolades and achievements Klopp's tenure brought to Merseyside between 2015 and 2024. The German mastermind guided Liverpool to their first-ever Premier League title in the 2019/20 campaign, while also lifting a Champions League, a Community Shield, and two FA Cups and League Cups a-piece before calling it a day.
So it comes as little-to-no surprise that many supporters were uncertain as to what the future under new boy Slot looked like in the wake of Klopp's departure. While the 46-year-old saw success in the Eredivisie with Feyenoord in 2022/23 before he lifted the KNVB Cup the following year, achievements in other leagues don't always translate to guaranteed results in England's top flight.
You only have to look at the likes of his compatriots Erik ten Hag and Louis van Gaal – who both faced difficulties at Manchester United – to see that the Premier League is a different ball game altogether. However, Slot has silenced any doubts whatsoever thus far. At the time of writing, Liverpool are flying high atop the Premier League - seven points clear of second-place Chelsea - having won 11 games, drawn two and suffered just one single loss.
Arne Slot admits Liverpool 'worry' ahead of transfer window as potential moves discussed
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As it stands, the club look increasingly likely to relive their Cinderella story 2019/20 Premier League winning campaign under Slot's stewardship, especially given how patchy Manchester City have looked thus far. However, Slot's tenure hasn't been without its hiccups.
A 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in September certainly raised eyebrows given how favoured Liverpool were to win, while Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah are all embroiled in a tug of war over contracts at present – and they could walk away from Anfield on free transfers next summer, while being able to speak to clubs abroad from next month, if the problem isn't rectified.
In the meantime, Slot will be gunning for the Premier League trophy in the coming months in his maiden season. But what does a dream 2024/25 campaign really look like for Slot? Here, Mirror Football breaks it down...
City drop more points and it's a one-horse race
Slot said that his main priorities for Liverpool this season are "improving the team and winning as many games as we can," and so far, it seems as though the Dutchman is achieving his goals. The gaffer, of course, failed to make much of an impact in the summer transfer window – wasting time chasing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a deal which never came to fruition as he chose to stay in Spain, before signing injury-tormented Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £10.1m plus add-ons, as well as Giorgi Mamardashvili who won't arrive at Anfield from Valencia until the 2025/26 campaign.
Arne Slot has quickly proved himself (
Image:
Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
However, it seems as though the squad didn't need a whole host of improvement after all, with Slot utilising the talent-filled squad which he inherited from Klopp. Football fans will know just how much of a hold Pep Guardiola has had on the Premier League with Manchester City since replacing Manuel Pellegrini in July 2016.
The Spaniard has lifted six league titles with Manchester City over the last eight years, as well as two FA Cups, four League Cups, three Community Shields and a coveted Champions League – arguably the greatest club manager in the English top flight since Sir Alex Ferguson's glory years with Manchester United.
However, City have hit a rough patch this season, winning eight, drawing two and losing four of their 14 played thus far – including a 2-0 defeat by Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. With a tough string of fixtures headed their way, which features United at home and Aston Villa away, Slot will hope that Guardiola continues to drop vital points in the Premier League while Liverpool carry on with their incredible run of form. City already find themselves with the tough task of playing catch-up with the Reds, currently 9 points behind them in the standings, and it could get worse for the reigning champions.
Contract resolutions
One of the biggest talking points pertaining to Slot's tenure appears to be the club's reluctance to offering star players new contracts – with Salah, Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold all out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign. And while the situation has had very little impact on the side's performances – Salah bagging 13 goals and eight assists this season thus far – Slot will undoubtedly be hoping for a resolution sooner rather than later.
The trio of stars are free to engage with prospective new clubs as early as January, and while all three look content at Anfield at present, the longer it takes to offer a renewal, the more cagey relationships could become. Salah has recently admitted that he's "more out than in" at present, citing how he is still yet to be offered a new deal despite his incredible showings on the pitch.
Salah is out of contract at the end of the season
(
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
With Liverpool fans fearing that they may be about to lose one of their most loyal and impactful servants, the pressure could soon start getting to Slot and impacting other areas of his management. Van Dijk is reported to be, meanwhile, seeking a contract extension which will keep him tied to Merseyside until 2027, while Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid for some time.
In an ideal world, Slot will be able to keep a hold of all three men and offer them contracts which benefit them just as much as they do the club – that would get the pressure and scrutiny surrounding contracts off his back.
While Alexander-Arnold's stance is not too clear amid Real's interest, Salah and Van Dijk's seeming willingness to sign extensions will give Slot hope his dream becomes a reality.
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