So, Arne Slot then. It’s being portrayed as something of a left-field choice for Liverpool.
To what extent that’s actually true is up for debate. Certainly, it seems strange that he is being considered significantly more of a wildcard than Rúben Amorim, despite both having achieved similar success in a league just outside of the big five. In Europe, it’s arguably Slot with the slight edge, having reached the inaugural Conference League final.
In all likelihood, Liverpool fans had simply had more time to acclimate themselves to the idea of Amorim, with Slot now the victim of the club keeping his name so effectively under wraps. But over the last 24 hours or so, as people have started to do their homework, the idea of the Dutchman in the Anfield dugout doesn’t seem quite so outlandish.
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The one lingering concern is whether Slot will be up to the challenge of managing a club as big as Liverpool. Whichever way you slice it, that level of pressure and scrutiny will be new to him.
Nor will he have long to come to terms with it. As soon as he arrives at Liverpool (provided the deal is completed as expected), there will be at least three problems that need addressing as a matter of urgency.
Fix the attack
Slot will benefit from a degree of patience when it comes to implementing his plan on the pitch. After all, these last few weeks under Jürgen Klopp have been a reminder that this is still a team taking shape after beginning a new cycle. Equally, anyone replacing the German would be afforded a little leeway, such is the scale of that particular task.
But Liverpool will want to see some kind of progress quickly. Given how things have gone recently, the most tangible marker will be in attack, where the goals have dried up for the Reds.
How much Klopp can be held to account for the finishing woes is up for debate, with the chance creation generally not the issue. But if Slot can get the goals flowing, either by luck or judgment, it’s a surefire way to get supporters onside early on.
Sort the contracts
Slot will very much be working alongside Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes on this one, but he will surely have some kind of say in the looming contract decisions. Three key players are set to enter the final year of their deals.
In the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold, it’s a no-brainer from the club’s side. The onus will therefore be on Slot to enthuse the full-back for another cycle at Liverpool, where he has the potential to go on and become one of the all-time greats.
When it comes to Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, the issue is a little more thorny. Both have had very good seasons, on the whole, but badly-timed downturns coinciding with Klopp’s departure could complicate matters.
After all, Edwards would need to make some pretty major exceptions to accommodate bumper new deals for stars who are on the wrong side of 30. Throw in potential Saudi interest in Salah, and there are decisions to be made. But with so much already changing, continuity might give Slot the best chance of success.
Trim the squad
Liverpool will not be looking to significantly reduce its squad size for the new season, especially with the expanded Champions League format. But there are still only so many minutes to go around, and Slot will need to make some decisions on the periphery.
Does he see Fábio Carvalho as a part of the long-term project? He’s enjoying a successful stint with Hull, but only after a failed loan to RB Leipzig.
Also at Hull, it’s been an impressive season for Tyler Morton. But good enough for a space in the Liverpool squad? You get the sense it will be a hugely important pre-season, as Slot truly gets to grips with the players at his disposal, including those who have been out on loan elsewhere.
There are chances to be grabbed. But equally, some of those on the books will be cut loose, and Slot will need to make up his mind pretty quickly.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
