Liverpool manager Arne Slott has made several changes to the club since replacing Jurgen Klopp last year.
Liverpool manager Arne Slott has overseen a period of change since taking over at Anfield in 2024. The Dutch manager was appointed to replace Jurgen Klopp and delivered the Premier League title in his first year in charge.
Most of the league titles were won with Klopp’s side, but Slott made decisions on and off the pitch that contributed to their immediate success. In the summer, the Reds made a series of high-profile signings and he was once again forced to make adjustments to his squad.
The club has endured a downturn this season as Slott begins to get used to the new team. However, the Reds appear to have overcome some of their previous problems, as they are unbeaten in their last six games. Let’s take a look at how the slot has moved away from the Klopp era.
christmas vacation
The Premier League schedule gave Slott and his Liverpool team an early gift that was not possible during Klopp’s reign. Due to the traditional Boxing Day fight, players are usually forced to attend training on Christmas Day.
However, only one Premier League game will be played on 26 December, with Liverpool’s home match against Wolves taking place on Saturday 27 December. While the change to tradition is divisive among some supporters, manager Virgil van Dijk has welcomed it.
read more: Alexander Isak’s injury comments speak volumes as Liverpool are under pressureread more: Mohamed Salah ‘crisis’, Egypt manager mentions in predictions for Liverpool
“Christmas Day is a day off, but I’m very grateful to the staff,” Van Dijk said after the club’s 2-1 win over Spurs last weekend. “It’s a nice change. I’m going to be home on Christmas Eve too and I’m really looking forward to it.”
“The staff always have special plans for the games and it works out for everyone. It’s special to have Christmas day off. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything like this in my Premier League career so far. I’m going to make the most of the time I have with my family and enjoy it all.”
Hotel rules abolished
Another rule change accepted by Van Dijk is changes to the team’s pre-match routine for home games. Under Klopp, the squad was required to stay together in a hotel the night before an Anfield match, but Slott believes it is more beneficial for his players to sleep at home.
“It’s everyone’s preference, but that’s the rule now,” Van Dijk explained last season. “Personally, I like to sleep in my own bed and be with my family, so it’s worked out really well for me. But I’ve been very successful in terms of wins, so what I’ve been doing has worked out for me as well.”
He added: “Personally, at this stage in my life, I want to spend as much time at home as possible. And I have all the resources to prepare for my recovery, including pools, saunas, ice baths, and anything else I need to prepare.”
“Obviously, we travel a lot (as well), and FaceTime is a huge tool to be able to be with family a little bit more. But this year, we’ve changed our structure, we’re spending a little bit more time at home, we’re not spending as much hotel time, we’re spending a little bit more time with family.”
approach to media
Slott has a very different approach to press conferences than his predecessor. While Klopp could alternate between laughing with reporters and reacting violently when certain topics came up, Slott maintained a calm demeanor in front of the media.
The current Liverpool manager often refused to be drawn into ongoing contract negotiations last season, as speculation continued to surround Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. Slott deftly diffused the situation when he spoke out against the club earlier this month, after excluding him from the squad for the game against Inter Milan.
“As I said last week, actions speak louder than words and we moved on. He was in the team and was the first substitute I made,” Slott said after Liverpool’s win against Brighton.
“But now he’s in the AFCON, playing some big games for himself and his country, so he’s got some big games for them and for us, so all the focus is on him over there and I don’t think he should get distracted by saying anything about his time at Liverpool.”
“After the interview at Leeds we moved and he played against Brighton. Now that he’s there it’s fair for his country and for him and us to talk about Tottenham and other games.”
tactical adjustments
Liverpool became known for their fast-paced attacking football under Klopp, but Slott made some subtle adjustments last season. Despite relying on the same players, Slott appeared to favor a more patient approach during their Premier League win.
Perhaps most notable was the team’s successful transition of Ryan Gravenbirch into a deeper role last season. After a busy summer, the Liverpool manager had to adapt his squad further, with Alexander Isak filling a more traditional No. 9 role, albeit with mixed results.
Getting the best out of Florian Wirtz remains an ongoing challenge, whether wide or as a number 10. Salah, meanwhile, had not started any of the club’s last five games before traveling with Egypt to the Africa Cup of Nations, something that would have been unthinkable under Klopp.
Role in transfer
Klopp saw his influence over transfers increase during his time at the club, particularly after sporting directors Michael Edwards and Julian Ward left the Reds. Following the appointment of Richard Hughes as sporting director and Edwards’ return in a new capacity, working under owner FSG, Slott has taken on a different role within the current hierarchy, with a focus on day-to-day team management.
Slott said last year of his relationship with Hughes: “It’s not every day, but it’s the same every month. Richard and I have had a very good relationship from the beginning, which is one of the reasons I wanted to join the club.”
“I talked about the fans and our players, but I wouldn’t go if I didn’t have the best relationship with the sporting director. But it was the other way around, because from the beginning I had good feelings about this person and definitely about the professional.
“It’s the same as Michael Edwards and everyone, but the person I mainly communicate with is Richard. Of course I have a little contact with the other guys (FSG) from time to time, but there is a clear hierarchy and I mainly talk to Richard.”
Join our LFC WhatsApp community to keep up to date with the latest LFC news, opinion, transfer gossip and more. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check it out whenever you like. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
