Arne Slot’s arrival at Liverpool last summer was met with skepticism by some. Few, if any, predicted that the Dutchman would lead the Reds to a record-equalling 20th top-flight title in his very first season at Anfield. The challenges ahead were immense: succeeding the legendary Jürgen Klopp, managing a squad with high expectations, and maintaining the club’s status among England’s elite. Yet, by the end of the season, Slot had accomplished what many considered the impossible. But how did he do it?
Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool in January 2024 was a seismic event. The German manager had reshaped the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success, including winning the Champions League and Premier League. His emotional goodbye, coupled with his words about “Liverpool 2.0,” suggested that his departure was not the end but a beginning of a new chapter. Klopp’s final season had ended on a low, with Liverpool finishing third in the Premier League and only winning the Carabao Cup.
Slot, appointed as Klopp’s successor in May, inherited a team that had already been significantly shaped by his predecessor. Klopp’s last major contribution was the reshaping of the midfield in 2023, which had the potential to take Liverpool to greater heights. Yet, Liverpool’s final season under Klopp showed cracks—particularly in their depth and injury-prone players.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the club’s future, Slot chose to retain the core group Klopp had assembled, with the only new signings being Federico Chiesa and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, the latter of whom remained on loan at Valencia for the season. It was a cautious yet deliberate approach.
From the outset, Slot presented himself as the antithesis of Klopp’s passionate, high-energy demeanor. While Klopp was known for his animated touchline antics and explosive celebrations, Slot exuded a calm, composed presence. This change in managerial style was perhaps one of the first significant shifts in the squad’s mentality under their new coach.
The difference was stark. Where Klopp had been an emotional leader, regularly seen engaging in animated sideline displays and celebratory fist pumps, Slot maintained a more restrained approach. His press conferences were understated, and he even declined the opportunity to stay in the iconic Formby residence, which had been home to several Liverpool managers, including Klopp. Instead, he opted to live in an apartment, with his family remaining in Zwolle, further distancing himself from the larger-than-life persona that Klopp had cultivated.
While Slot’s personality may have been quieter, his tactical approach was anything but. One of his first and most noticeable changes was a shift in playing style. Under Klopp, Liverpool’s approach was often chaotic, aggressive, and characterized by high pressing and quick transitions—what fans referred to as “heavy metal football.” Slot, however, embraced a more structured, possession-based style, with a focus on tactical discipline and controlled build-up play.
The shift from Klopp’s “Gegenpressing” to a more deliberate 4-2-3-1 formation meant less frantic running, which had been a contributing factor to Liverpool’s injury crisis the previous season. The new structure allowed Liverpool’s players to preserve their energy while still maintaining control of the game. Slot’s approach was notably more measured, and this change resulted in fewer injuries over the course of the season, something Klopp’s high-intensity methods had struggled to mitigate.
Along with the formation change, Slot’s careful tactical adjustments, such as moving Mohamed Salah wider to create more space and repositioning players like Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz to their preferred positions, played a crucial role in unlocking new levels of performance across the team.
Slot’s attention to detail extended beyond tactical shifts. His first pre-season was focused on addressing off-field aspects of player management. One of the most talked-about changes was the introduction of compulsory group breakfasts before training and a new early morning reporting time at 9:15 AM for all players. Unlike Klopp, who had preferred the team to stay in a hotel before home games, Slot believed that players would benefit from staying in their own beds the night before matches. His reasoning was simple: players sleep better at home, which would ultimately help their physical and mental preparation.
This change resonated well with the players. Captain Virgil van Dijk noted that the change allowed him to sleep better and spend more time with his family before matchdays, which in turn contributed to a more focused and prepared squad.
Another notable off-field adjustment was the overhaul of the training regimen. The intensity of training sessions was reduced, but the length was increased. Slot’s physical performance coach, Ruben Peters, who accompanied him from Feyenoord, placed significant emphasis on listening to players’ feedback and adapting the training to their needs. The less grueling sessions, combined with the tactical shifts, helped keep injuries to a minimum and allowed players to maintain peak fitness throughout the season.
Perhaps the most significant change under Slot was his commitment to individual player development. Unlike Klopp, who was known for his focus on team-wide strategies, Slot placed an emphasis on personal coaching, ensuring that every player received detailed feedback after training and match days. This approach fostered an environment of continuous improvement, with players like Cody Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Luis Diaz all benefiting from Slot’s hands-on coaching style.
One of the most notable examples of Slot’s coaching success came through Trent Alexander-Arnold. The versatile defender had often been criticized for his defensive lapses in previous seasons, but under Slot’s guidance, Alexander-Arnold became a more disciplined and tactical player. His newfound role in facilitating Salah’s game through long passes and positioning in attack showcased Slot’s ability to adapt players to suit his tactical setup.
“I want to learn and get better,” said Alexander-Arnold, reflecting the mindset Slot had instilled in the team. “It’s refreshing to have a manager who will help and guide me to become better.”
Despite his relatively unchanged starting lineup, Slot’s in-game management proved to be a decisive factor in Liverpool’s success. The Dutch coach’s tactical flexibility was evident in several matches, including the Reds’ historic 1-0 win at Manchester City in February 2025. In that game, Slot deployed Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai as false No. 9s in the absence of a recognized striker, a bold move that paid off handsomely.
Another memorable tactical adjustment came in the crucial 2-2 draw with Fulham in November. With the team down to 10 men, Slot quickly identified weaknesses and made tactical substitutions that allowed Liverpool to fight back and secure a vital point. This ability to make swift and effective changes in response to in-game situations became a hallmark of Slot’s tenure.
One of Slot’s most brilliant decisions was tweaking Mohamed Salah’s positioning. Previously deployed as an inside forward in a traditional 4-3-3, Slot moved Salah wider to the right, allowing him to exploit space better. This tactical change not only revitalized Salah’s game but also helped him register the most assists he had ever achieved in a Premier League season, making him one of the best playmakers in the league. The adjustment also contributed to Salah’s decision to sign a new two-year contract, a major boost for the club.
All of Slot’s subtle but effective changes culminated in a remarkable title win for Liverpool, their first Premier League trophy since 2020. The combination of tactical flexibility, individual coaching, and off-field improvements created a cohesive and highly effective unit. Despite the challenges of following in Klopp’s footsteps, Slot not only met expectations but exceeded them, guiding Liverpool to the pinnacle of English football in his first season in charge.
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