Can Slot Win At Liverpool?

Arne Slot has started as the new manager of Liverpool. What does he need to do this season to help Liverpool win the Premier League?

Jurgen Klopp, the previous manager, left after eight years with a trophy and qualification for the Champions League.

Here is how Slot can build on Klopp’s success:

Start Strong and Compete with Top Teams

Liverpool did well last season, finishing in third place and winning the Carabao Cup. They have many young and talented players. However, Slot will face strong teams like Arsenal and Manchester City. In the Dutch league, Slot’s former team Feyenoord was behind PSV. Slot will need to aim high in the Premier League.

In England’s top league, there is no room for mistakes. Slot must start next season well if he wants to lead Liverpool in a title race.

The start of the season looks good for Liverpool. They are favorites to win six of their first seven games. A game against Manchester United on September 1 will be an early test. By October, when Liverpool plays Chelsea and Arsenal, Slot will need to have collected many points.

Win Key Matches

Last season, Liverpool did not lose to Manchester City and drew with Arsenal at Anfield. Winning against these top teams could be crucial.

Manchester City played very well in the second half of the season, recovering from a loss to Arsenal. Winning important matches gives Liverpool confidence and can be a big help in the title race.

Liverpool last beat Arsenal in March 2022 and last won against Manchester City in October 2022. The game against Arsenal in Week Nine will be a big early test for Slot and a chance to inspire the players.

Keep Important Players

Liverpool’s chances of competing with Manchester City and Arsenal will improve if stars like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold play well. However, all three players’ contracts end next summer.

Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, the club’s top executives, need to manage these contracts, but Slot should also be involved.

It might be hard for Liverpool fans to imagine losing any of these players. Salah, 32, could get a big offer from Saudi Arabia. After some recent struggles, it might be the right time to sell him.

Van Dijk, who turned 33 this summer, said he will "think carefully" about his future after the Netherlands left the Euros. Slot needs to show these key players that Liverpool’s future is bright with him as manager.

Solve the Striker Problem

One of Slot’s main tasks is to improve Liverpool’s attack. Last season, their finishing was not good.

Darwin Nunez often gets blamed, as he missed 27 of 33 clear chances. Slot needs to help Liverpool’s £85m signing improve.

Salah and Luis Diaz also missed many chances. Liverpool had the highest expected goals (xG) in the Premier League but scored fewer goals than expected. In contrast, Arsenal and Manchester City scored more than expected, which made a big difference.

Sign a Defensive Midfielder

Liverpool has not signed any new players since Slot’s arrival. Improving with the current group is possible, but they might need a defensive midfielder.

Last season, Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister shared the defensive role. Slot likes to use two players in this position, so Liverpool needs someone new.

A new midfielder could allow Mac Allister to play in a more attacking role and give Liverpool’s defense more stability.

Excite the Liverpool Fans

One of Slot’s most important tasks is to excite the Liverpool fans, just like Klopp did.

Slot should not try to copy Klopp. The connection between Klopp and the Liverpool fans was special. However, Slot needs to show the fans that his plans for the club will lead to success.

There will be challenges along the way. Slot and his players will need support from Liverpool fans and the famous Anfield atmosphere to achieve their goals.

New signings, contract extensions, and a strong start would help fans believe Liverpool can compete for top titles under Slot and make them cheer for him, just like Klopp encouraged them to.