Arne Slot has taken over from Jurgen Klopp to lead Liverpool. The Dutchman has changed the formation and brought stability to the defence, and the Dutchman’s leadership has produced good results since the start of the Premier League season.
It is still early days so there is no cause for optimism, but both attack and defence are well balanced and the number of unnecessary goals conceded, both good and bad, has decreased.
The manager has also seen an explosion of clean sheets, which has increased his reputation, and Simon Hughes (English journalist) has compared him to the former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.
“He reminds me a lot of Rafael Benitez when he was at his best. Not in terms of the style of football he promises but his preparedness, calmness, as well as his decisiveness. From what I hear, the difference with Benitez (and this is a good thing, I think) is the players feel as though they know exactly where they stand with him.”
The Athletic
He does not produce the kind of performance and passion that would involve the entire stadium like his predecessor, but rather, the way he goes about his business in a rather unassuming manner feels similar to the Spanish commander. However, even throughout the broadcast, there seems to be at least more than a little heat.
Even on the touchline, he doesn’t have as big a reaction as Klopp, but the way he inspires his team is probably where he differs from Benitez, who solemnly takes notes.
Although he did not perform as well in the Premier League, his record of leading the club to two Champions League finals remains in the history books, and he was the famous manager who created the Miracle of Istanbul. His decision at half-time was appalling, if only in terms of results.
Whether he can match the Spaniard in terms of performance will depend on his ability from now on. Will Slot be able to achieve great success in terms of results and be loved by the supporters at the same time?