Jurgen Klopp's acknowledgement that his 2020 Premier League-winning Liverpool team needed to be 'near perfect' to secure the trophy highlights the current condition of the top-flight
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Jurgen Klopp named his Liverpool 'near perfect' after their 2020 title win
(Image: PA)
Liverpool's title triumph five years ago was hailed as 'near perfect' by boss Jurgen Klopp, yet Arne Slot's Reds have coasted to the top of the Premier League this season with far less pressure from their rivals.
The Premier League trophy will make its home at Anfield once again, evoking memories of 2020 when Liverpool last lifted the coveted title. Led by the inspirational Klopp, his squad rectified a near-miss season with a remarkable 99-point league victory.
Liverpool lost only three times and drew thrice that year, notching up an impressive 32 victories, ensuring the title went to them. Following that monumental achievement, Klopp remarked on the necessity for his squad to be 'near perfect', especially given Manchester City's daunting presence.
However, Slot in his debut season at the helm hasn't required such flawless performance, with competitors failing to mount a serious challenge.
"100 per cent, we did it in the right manner. We finished it on a high," Klopp stated five years ago, reflecting on Liverpool's final match win against Newcastle, which capped off an incredible campaign.
"The football part of the year was exceptional. 99 points. European Super Cup, Club World Cup, Premier League, 99 points after 97 last season. We were unlucky a bit last year with 97, but it was clear to win against this team, you need to be nearly perfect, and the boys were nearly perfect. It will have a special place in my own memories, that is for sure.
"Today we needed a little wake-up call [Newcastle scored after 24 seconds]. From that moment, the boys worked hard against the defensive wall of Newcastle. We don't only win on a perfect day, the boys dig deep on the not-so-perfect days, and that is what I like."
Despite not needing perfection this time around, Slot's squad has notched up an admirable 25 victories and 83 points ahead of their final game against Crystal Palace.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 27: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Arne Slot head coach of Liverpool and Virgil van Dijk captain of Liverpool celebrating after being named Champions of the Premier League at the end of the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Anfield on April 27, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Slot's Reds have not had to be perfect this term
Yet, unlike Klopp's triumphant squad, the Reds this season have seen more draws, with eight, and defeats, tallying four. With several opportunities, Arsenal could not exert enough pressure, while City struggled throughout the year.
Initial predictions had not pegged the Reds as runaway favourites, anticipating stronger challenges from both City and Arsenal based on performances in the past two seasons.
Both City and the Gunners stumbled, however, allowing the Reds to capitalise without needing to hit such a peak, a testament to the evolving landscape of the Premier League since Klopp's tenure.
Looking forward, Slot conceded that this campaign hasn't cemented his team's status as possessing an elite mindset, with the true test being whether they can achieve consecutive triumphs.
"We have a lot to compete for next season again, but what I don't know yet – and that's going to be the interesting one – is if we have this elite mentality, this serial winner mentality, of showing up season after season after season," Slot remarked.
"Many teams have won the Premier League once, but not many have won multiple seasons in a row – and that's for a reason. I think the league has never been as strong as it is."