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Afolabi Ezekiel - May 26, 2025
Slot’s Liverpool appointment came with mild optimism. It is understandable when Jurgen Klopp, one of the club’s greatest coaches, has left the job. It wasn’t just about ‘maintaining standards’ however, as Slot’s first season with the club seemed to have taken Liverpool to heights few expected.
Winning the title was always the goal, but doing it with a 26-match unbeaten run in the league was quite the statement. The calmness Slot brought on and off the pitch, bolstered by his shrewd choices and tactful leadership, helped him achieve success Liverpool desperately craved.
The journey began with a rather stinky pre-season in the US. Slot was forced to work with a very young squad after the major senior players came back from a post-tournament break. This caused limitations, but at the same time, provided Slot an opportunity to tackle lazy football head on, something he tried to do during the friendlies and was astonishingly successful at. The belief that the rest policy should be prioritized for internationals joining back turned out to be helpful, as the squad was much more alive for the grueling long season ahead.
The Premier League’s first match against Ipswich was not a customary 2-0 win. It was Slot’s first match as a manager and marked a new chapter for the club. Slot’s demeanor amidst the standard season-opening jitters was remarkably calm. His decision not to swarm the away section and let the players enjoy their moment of glory showcased his selflessness. In England, this was a bit strange, but Slot adjusted quick and, after some tailing the emotional customs of the Premier League, forged a stronger connection with the fans.
Perhaps the game that sealed player buy-in was the emphatic 3-0 win at Manchester United. Slot executed subtle yet clever tactical adjustments, including the placement of Dominik Szoboszlai, which threw United’s pre-game plans into disarray. While the goals were scored off counterattacks, the realization by the participants that Slot’s methods were yielding results was crucial. Additionally, Slot made history by becoming the first Liverpool manager since 1937 to win his first away league game at Old Trafford. Mohamed Salah showed us his class once again as he scored to further enhance his extraordinary season which has now seen him become the centerpiece of Slot’s attacking machinery.
The November clash against Brighton saw Liverpool trail at half-time, while their title rivals dropped points elsewhere. Slot’s halftime response wasn’t rage, but reason. Instead of berating players, he calmly outlined tactical adjustments, respecting their effort but correcting their approach. The result was a crucial 2-1 comeback win, sending Liverpool top of the league, a position they never relinquished. This match showcased Slot’s emotional intelligence and leadership: firm when needed, but empathetic when warranted.
In January, Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Brentford wasn’t just dramatic, it was a display of relentless belief. After 90 minutes of frustration, late substitutions flipped the script. Darwin Nunez, brought on late, delivered two stoppage-time goals, aided by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s incisive pass. Slot’s strategy of throwing on attackers in tight moments as Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa also joined the fray proved his commitment to winning. This game symbolized the team’s never-say-die spirit, with Nunez emerging as a clutch performer.
Slot’s composure faced its toughest test during the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in February. In a hostile environment, controversial refereeing decisions during stoppage time led to Everton’s late equalizer. For once, Slot’s calm demeanor cracked as he confronted the officials, highlighting his deep emotional investment. Although he later admitted to overreacting, the incident revealed another side of the manager, a fierce competitor unwilling to tolerate injustice. Ironically, the result enabled Liverpool to secure the title at home, adding an unexpected silver lining.
Slot’s Liverpool managed to cast aside the City curse within the eithad and get a reward of 2-0. This was not a match of dominance but rather a show of resilience. Most were shocked with Slot’s decision to go without a traditional No.9 and play with two advanced midfielders at a-striker. Although City had an overwhelming possession of 66%, Liverpool’s defensive discipline was remarkable. Szoboszlai’s sheer exhaustion at the end of the game where he lay flat on the ground symbolizes the rigors of the match. Slot referred to this particular game not as a tactical highlight but as a sheer act of team effort.
While Liverpool exited the Champions League on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain, the second leg at Anfield was a tactical masterclass. After getting completely outplayed back in Paris, Slot decisively turned the tides by taking a more brave and aggressive approach in the home fixture. Though Liverpool lost the game, they completely dominated PSG. This match served as a benchmark for Slot’s flexibility and rest-magic of Anfield. From the performance, you could clearly see that Liverpool under Slot looked much more promising and outperformed expectations, even in defeat.
The crowning moment came at Anfield when Liverpool clinched the Premier League title. The joy and emotion from fans, staff, and players were palpable. For Slot, the real reward wasn’t personal glory, but hearing lifelong supporters and long-serving staff say it was the greatest day of their lives. This resonated deeply with the Dutchman. A man known for tactical brilliance and stoic calm, even Slot admitted to being moved by the occasion. It marked not just a triumph on the pitch, but an emotional connection with the Liverpool community.
The first Season of Arne Slot was both a transformation and a triumph in the history of English Football. From managing greatly using emotional appeal to tactical changes to employing man-force strategically, he changed Klopp’s proposed successor narrative to a victor in his very own right. Slot, throughout the season was focused on delivering to fans defining moments backed with a deeply humbling mindset. Liverpool fans now look to the future with excitement, knowing their club is in capable hands.
