The Champions League final was held in Istanbul on 25 May 2005. Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool team had a poor game, conceding three goals in the first half, but they changed their approach against Carlo Ancelotti’s AC Milan and equalised in the second half after only six minutes.
The match went down to a penalty shoot-out, which Liverpool eventually won. Former Australian international Harry Kewell started the match but was injured in the first 23 minutes.
He emerged as one of the best attacking players in the world at Leeds United, and at times scored impressive goals at Anfield despite being plagued by injury.
After retiring, he went on to manage in England, including Crawley Town and Notts County, and also managed teams for Yokohama F Marinos, none of which were successful.
The former Liverpool winger, who has been in a position to organise teams despite his lack of notable success as a manager, praised Arne Slot’s skills, but said he had also been lucky.
“Fantastic. I don’t think he could have wished for a better opportunity.”
“I think it’s harsh for what I’m about to say is that it’s kind of helped that Arsenal have had a terrible time, Man City have had a terrible time, Chelsea have not been up there, and no one’s really kind of challenged them.”
“But in saying that, he was fantastic at the start of the season.”
“But the way Liverpool played at the start of the season, I think they deserve to be exactly where they are.”
Sky Sports News
The Dutchman, in his first attempt at the Premier League, has been in good form since the start of the season. In many games, even after conceding first, they turned the tables in the second half, showing their competitive spirit.
In the second half of the season, with a noticeable fatigue in the main squad, the number of goals scored has not increased and the number of goals conceded is also on the rise, making it clear that the team needs to improve for next season.
In the Champions League, they were overwhelmed in two home and away games against Paris Saint-Germain, and they are also steering towards building a new team to win European competitions. It is expected to be a busy time in the transfer market this summer.
Will Slot be able to continue this season’s good form, join the title race next season and beyond, and establish himself as a great manager?