Arne Slot’s Liverpool: A Title That Defies Expectations
The Liverpool captain, after a celebration ritual, lifted the Premier League trophy. The scene, familiar to reds fans, marked another milestone in the club’s history. However, this time something was different. The atmosphere, although euphoric, lacked the presence of Jürgen Klopp, the man who orchestrated the team’s resurgence.
Despite initial doubts, Liverpool, under the direction of Arne Slot, has conquered the title of the 2024-25 season. This triumph raises a reflection on the role of coaches in modern football and the real influence they have on the success of a team.
If your players are better than your opponents, you will win 90% of the time.
Johan Cruyff
The influence of coaches is a constant topic of debate. While some consider them tactical geniuses, others, like Pep Guardiola himself, minimize their impact. Carlo Ancelotti, with vast experience and multiple Champions League titles, affirms that the key lies in the quality and commitment of the players.
Research suggests that a good coach can add a few points to the season, but their impact is similar to that of a standout player. George Ferridge’s study at this year’s Sloan Sports Analytics Conference found that most coaches do not have a notable effect on their teams’ performance.
In this context, the arrival of Arne Slot at Liverpool is even more intriguing. How did the team manage to maintain its level after Klopp’s departure?
Slot’s path to Anfield began at AZ Alkmaar, where he worked under the tutelage of Robert Eenhoorn, a pioneer in the use of data in football. Eenhoorn, after seeing Slot’s potential, gave him his first opportunity as a coach in the top flight.
Although Slot’s inaugural season didn’t culminate in a title due to the cancellation of the Eredivisie, his work didn’t go unnoticed. His success at Feyenoord opened the doors to Liverpool, where he has proven his worth by conquering the Premier League in his first year.
The key to Slot’s success could lie in his tactical approach and his ability to adapt to the club’s structure. His attention to detail and his focus on individualized analysis have been well received by the players. Furthermore, his management style has contributed to keeping key players in shape, avoiding the injuries that affected the team in the past.
Slot adapts to the club’s decision-making structure, working in collaboration with the board and using data for player acquisition. This synergy, combined with his ability to bring out the best in his players, has been fundamental to Liverpool’s success.
While Klopp’s mark on Liverpool is undeniable, Slot’s arrival has shown that the club has been able to adapt and find the formula to maintain its dominance in the Premier League. Slot’s appointment as “head coach” instead of “manager” underlines the club’s new philosophy.
Slot’s ability to keep the team at the top, despite Klopp’s departure, is further evidence that football is a complex sport, where success depends on multiple factors, including adaptation to new ideas and the management of available talent.
