How Arne Slot Clinched the Premier League Title in His Debut Season
It was on a sun-drenched afternoon at Anfield last May, following his final game after nine illustrious seasons, that Jurgen Klopp addressed Liverpool supporters.
Clad in a full club tracksuit, hoodie, and cap, Klopp expressed his gratitude to the fans, proclaimed Liverpool a “superpower of world football”, and after leading the crowd in a spirited rendition of “Arne Slot, la la la la la”, he made a heartfelt plea.
“Next season, you welcome the new manager like you welcomed me,” said the German. “You go all-in from the first day. You keep believing and you push the team.”
Replacing a manager who had delivered Liverpool‘s first Premier League title alongside triumphs in the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and two EFL Cups, was bound to be a daunting task.
Such transitions often bring turbulence; at their worst, they end in chaos. That Slot would lead Liverpool to a 20th English top-flight title — equalling Manchester United’s historic record — with four games to spare was almost beyond belief.
Slot’s first season defied expectations that a lengthy adjustment period would be necessary. One man, at least, foresaw success: “Change is good,” Klopp insisted on that final Anfield day. Almost a year later, no one doubts him.
Fittingly, on Sunday, Slot reciprocated Klopp’s kindness, belting out the Klopp anthem during Liverpool’s post-title celebrations.
Slot’s Respectful Arrival
At the time Klopp hailed Slot, the Dutchman had not yet been officially confirmed as Liverpool’s new manager. That announcement came a day later, with the club choosing to wait until the 2023/24 Premier League season concluded.
Slot remained silent publicly for nearly a month, a deliberate and respectful decision, emblematic of his understated nature.
“I think it was fair to him [Klopp], and to the club and to the supporters to wait a bit, and then to come in,” Slot said in his first interview with Liverpool’s official website.
Throughout, Slot was effusive in his praise of Klopp’s “tremendous job” and revealed he had consulted the German to gain insights into the club he was inheriting.
Rather than making bold promises, Slot modestly stated he wished to “build on from what we have”, aiming to surpass the 82 points Liverpool had accumulated to secure third place last season. With four fixtures remaining, Liverpool could yet amass up to 94 points.
Above all, he assured fans, “there is a change [from Klopp], but the change hopefully isn’t that big”.
Preserving Liverpool’s Playing Identity
Slot’s appointment was largely predicated on evolution, not revolution. Feyenoord’s former head coach, Slot was seen as someone who would preserve Klopp’s tactical foundations, enabling players to maintain established relationships on the pitch.
“Our playing style is not so much different,” Slot confirmed during his first press conference in July.
An unbeaten pre-season and three consecutive Premier League wins, including a resounding 3-0 victory over fierce rivals Manchester United, signalled an auspicious start.
However, Slot’s honeymoon period ended abruptly with a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield, courtesy of a tactical masterclass from Nuno Espírito Santo.
“It is a big setback,” Slot admitted in a notably brief post-match conference. Little did he realise that Liverpool would not taste defeat again for nearly four months across all competitions.
A Dream Debut Season
Slot remained true to his word, eschewing drastic changes. Klopp’s signature heavy-metal 4-3-3 style gave way to a more measured 4-2-3-1 formation.
A double pivot in midfield was a major tactical shift. Ryan Gravenberch, formerly a No.8, thrived as a No.6. Alongside Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, Gravenberch started every Premier League match this season.
Slot deployed a traditional No.10 behind the striker — often Dominik Szoboszlai, occasionally Curtis Jones — adding creative flair.
Subtle tactical nuances included greater ball retention and a slightly more patient build-up from defence. Out of possession, Slot relaxed Klopp’s signature high press, leading to fewer turnovers but more defensive stability.
By early December, Slot’s Liverpool had achieved an extraordinary 17 victories from 19 games. When Manchester City visited Anfield, Liverpool dominated the first 35 minutes, allowing City’s first shot only after 39 minutes — their longest wait in a Premier League game since 2010.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Salah sealed a 2-0 victory, although the margin could have been greater. City boss Pep Guardiola could only hold up six fingers, referencing his Premier League title tally.
By just 13 league games, Liverpool’s lead at the summit stood at nine points.
European Mastery
Liverpool’s domestic dominance extended into Europe. Seven consecutive UEFA Champions League wins ensured top seed qualification, regardless of their final group match.
Triumphs over AC Milan, Bologna, RB Leipzig, and Bayer Leverkusen were followed by a historic win against Real Madrid, ending an eight-match winless run against the Spanish giants.
Switching back to 4-3-3, Liverpool controlled the match, executing Slot’s half-time instruction to “be even more patient”. Alexis Mac Allister and Gakpo netted in a landmark victory, with Conor Bradley excelling at right-back.
Cup Setbacks
The New Year brought unexpected defeats. A first loss since Nottingham Forest occurred in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham Hotspur, but Liverpool comfortably overturned the deficit.
A rotated side lost to PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, yet Liverpool still topped their group.
Shock followed when Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle eliminated Liverpool from the FA Cup. A grim week in March saw Liverpool exit Europe and lose the EFL Cup final.
Despite a first-leg win over Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool lost on penalties after a 1-0 second-leg defeat.
“It was the best game of football I have ever been involved in,” said Slot. “Margins were so small. We played the perfect game, except for scoring a goal.”
A physical 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final compounded frustrations.
“Even Liverpool can lose football games,” Slot reflected.
Reaffirming Dominance
As questions surfaced about Liverpool’s resilience, the team responded emphatically.
Despite their unbeaten league run ending at Fulham and needing a last-minute Van Dijk winner against West Ham, Liverpool maintained control. By the EFL Cup final loss, Liverpool were already 12 points clear.
Slot’s Liverpool secured one of the earliest Premier League title wins in history, affirming their dominance.
Navigating Contract Uncertainty
At his unveiling on 5 July, Slot appeared with new sporting director Richard Hughes. Early questions focused on the futures of Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose contracts were set to expire.
Such uncertainties could have destabilised Liverpool. In January, Salah admitted this would likely be his “last year” at the club, lamenting a lack of progress in negotiations.
Nevertheless, Salah surged ahead in both goals and assists charts, while Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold delivered consistently stellar performances.
Throughout, Slot remained composed, routinely deflecting contract speculation and keeping the squad’s focus intact.
Earlier this month, news broke that Salah and Van Dijk had signed two-year extensions, vindicating Slot’s composed leadership.
Minimal Personnel Changes
Slot’s remarkable achievement is further highlighted by the minimal changes to the playing squad.
The only addition not previously featuring under Klopp was Federico Chiesa, who played a mere 37 Premier League minutes before the Tottenham Hotspur clash.
Slot achieved Premier League glory almost entirely with inherited resources.
Conclusion: A Bright Future
Liverpool’s last Premier League triumph in 2019/20 came behind closed doors due to the pandemic. This time, supporters can savour every moment, celebrating Klopp’s foundational work and Slot’s brilliant debut.
Where the Slot era leads next promises to be an exhilarating journey for Liverpool fans and we are here to witness it.