Liverpool boss Arne Slot has praised Michael Jordan as the ultimate symbol of success and is encouraging his players to take inspiration from the basketball legend as he seeks to establish a lasting legacy at Anfield.
The Reds are just hours away from lifting the Premier League trophy at Anfield for the second time in five years, with many squad members having tasted both victory and narrow defeats under Jurgen Klopp's stewardship.
Slot has thrown down the gauntlet to his team to demonstrate the unyielding drive that propelled Jordan to become an iconic figure in world sports. With six NBA titles to his name during his time with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan's remarkable 15-year career epitomises the winning mentality that Slot admires: "Only sportsmen who have the right mentality have the chance of becoming serial winners.
"Even the Michael Jordans of this world have lost championships - but they've won a lot because of the mentality and the quality they have. Many of my players - and also myself - hadn't won the league in England. Only a few of them only had - but now we've all won it.
"Now let's see how they react. We all have quality and we already know they can work so hard - so now it's about mentality."
Slot took some time out this week to attend a Bruce Springsteen gig at Manchester's Co-op Live, just a short distance from the Etihad Stadium. Always thinking ahead, Slot gleaned insights from the concert that might just give Liverpool the edge, paving the way for more Glory Days in the upcoming season.
Arne Slot is taking inspiration from Michael Jordan as he looks to lead Liverpool to more titles
Arne Slot is taking inspiration from Michael Jordan as he looks to lead Liverpool to more titles
Slot is set to channel the spirit of Springsteen to galvanize his squad, including Virgil van Dijk, as pre-season training kicks off in July. He's keen on fostering a 'Tougher Than the Rest' mindset within his team.
The Dutch manager has voiced his respect for Springsteen's intense work ethic and commitment, which allows the 75-year-old rock legend to perform for three hours straight without pausing. Slot remarked: "I've heard what Springsteen does during his daily life to be able to do what he does. Talking about people having good habits!
"Springsteen, at 75, is still able to do three hours on stage without even one minute of rest. I think he took three or four drinks - of what I assume was water."
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Slot learned about Springsteen's rigorous lifestyle through someone they both know, admiring the musician's stamina.
While Slot confesses to being a Springsteen fan who can belt out 'Born in the USA', he doesn't claim to know every track by heart. Yet, he sees a similarity between the fervor of The Boss' followers and the die-hard loyalty of Liverpool fans.
Slot observed: "But what I recognised is that people are as passionate about Bruce Springsteen as our fans are about Liverpool.
"I like to watch the joy he gives his fans and the joy our players give the fans at Anfield - so that is a great comparison."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Express by clicking here.