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Slot won the Premier League with Liverpool. |
When Klopp announced his decision to leave Liverpool last February, there was an air of anxiety around Anfield. How could you replace a legend who had returned Liverpool to the top of world football? Manchester United’s post-Ferguson nightmare is a lesson in how power transfer fails in modern football.
However, Liverpool seem to have broken the curse. Under the guidance of Arne Slot, "The Kop" have not only maintained their form but have also flourished, surpassing all initial expectations. When the season started, Opta predicted Liverpool had only a 5.6% chance of winning the title. Now, they have won the Premier League for the first time since the 2019/20 season.
History does not repeat itself
Liverpool's history has seen a turbulent transition. When Bill Shankly resigned in 1974, he could not accept that he was leaving.
At the age of 60, Shankly turned up at Melwood to run with the players and even asked to return to the manager's chair. His successor, Bob Paisley, eventually asked him to keep his distance.
Klopp was completely different. The German coach announced his decision early through a call to Mike Gordon, chairman of Fenway Sports Group, giving the board time to prepare for a future without him.
"My management skills are based on energy, emotions, relationships... And if you can't continue like that, stop," Klopp explained.
After leaving, Klopp did not seem to begrudge his successor’s success. On the contrary, they regularly texted each other, with Klopp often sending words of encouragement and congratulations after important victories such as the win over PSG in the Champions League in March.
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The legacy Klopp left for Liverpool is so solid. |
Liverpool under Slot have improved markedly from Klopp's last team, showing a blend of 'Slotball' and 'Kloppball' as they climbed to third place in the Premier League for build-up play, while also remaining second (as of 2023/24) for direct attacks.
Notably, Liverpool's record in big matches has improved significantly. While Klopp has only won 2 out of 10 away games at Old Trafford and 2 out of 11 trips to the Etihad, his successor, Slot, has won both of his last two away games against Manchester United and Manchester City.
Slot's ability to adjust tactics and make mid-half substitutions earned Liverpool 25 points from comebacks - an impressive number that shows the Dutch coach's flexible tactical thinking.
Not only that, Mohamed Salah has excelled with the number of touches in the opponent's penalty area (310 times) far surpassing the second-placed player, Antoine Semenyo (174 times). The Egyptian striker is also close to the Premier League's top scorer title, despite being 32 years old.
Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk has become more complete in his ability to create from the back. Ryan Gravenberch has transformed in the No. 6 position with the ability to receive the ball when turning and making breakthroughs.
Klopp is never a loser
On April 27, Liverpool officially won the 2024/25 Premier League with four games to spare. Slot's success immediately raised an uncomfortable question for Klopp fans: Did his predecessor fail to fully exploit the team's potential?
The truth is much more complicated. Klopp himself recognises his limits. After the final game of last season, he told his players: “With new energy from outside, with new influences, with new things to prove… the sky is the limit for you.”
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Liverpool's squad this season still carries the echoes of Klopp. |
Neil Atkinson, author of the book "Transformer" about the Klopp era, analyzed: "Klopp left not because he couldn't climb the mountain, but because he said to himself, 'I don't know if I can climb the mountain again'. Looking at Klopp in the light of this season - I think nothing proves him more right."
Remember that Klopp's Liverpool have had three seasons where they have finished higher than the 91 points Slot's team is expected to achieve this season. Klopp also turned a Liverpool side that was a mess and lost the 2018 Champions League final into a force in the following two seasons.
Liverpool are set to welcome Klopp back to Anfield for the final game of the season against Crystal Palace on May 25. Before that, he will be the guest of honour at the LFC Foundation Gala Dinner on May 23 at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
Klopp will also be honoured by the League Managers Association in London on 27 May when they induct managers with over 1,000 games into their hall of fame. Will we see him present Slot with the Manager of the Year award, as Shankly did with Paisley in 1976?
The transition from Klopp to Slot has become a case study in how great clubs can continue to grow after losing a legendary figure. Liverpool need a successor to reach the next level, but that doesn't diminish the value of what Klopp has built.
Slot also admits that Liverpool are not yet fully an "Arne Slot team". He inherited a solid foundation and a winning culture that Klopp has cultivated over nine years at Anfield.
Klopp's true legacy will not be his trophies or his style of football, but the way he left - leaving a Liverpool strong and ready to succeed without him. Unlike Shankly, Klopp will return to Anfield with love and respect, not regret or envy.
As Atkinson put it in his final words: "Looking at Klopp in the light of this season - I don't think anything has proved him more right."
Source: https://znews.vn/liverpool-vo-dich-premier-league-slot-no-klopp-loi-cam-on-post1549304.html
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