Arne Slot has implemented significant changes at Liverpool since replacing Jurgen Klopp in 2024, including one alteration that has earned praise from captain Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has overseen a period of transition since taking the reins at Anfield in 2024. Tasked with filling the shoes of Jurgen Klopp, the Dutch coach clinched a Premier League title in his debut season.
While the league title was largely secured using Klopp’s squad, Slot made key decisions both on and off the pitch that contributed to his immediate triumph. In the summer, the Reds brought in a number of high-profile signings, prompting him to adjust his team once more.
The club has experienced hiccups during the current campaign as Slot familiarises himself with his revamped squad. However, the Reds seem to have surmounted some of their earlier challenges, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches. The ECHO takes a look at how Slot has diverged from the Klopp era.
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Day off on Christmas
The Premier League schedule has presented Slot and the Liverpool squad with an early present that wasn’t feasible during Klopp’s tenure. Due to the customary Boxing Day fixtures, players are typically required to attend training on Christmas Day.
However, only one Premier League match will take place on December 26, with Liverpool’s home game against Wolves being one of seven scheduled for Saturday, December 27. While this break from tradition may split opinion among some fans, it has been embraced by Virgil van Dijk.
Following Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Spurs last weekend, the Reds captain revealed: “We have Christmas Day off which is very nice of the staff. It’s a nice change. I’ll be at home Christmas Eve too and I’m really looking forward to it.
“The staff always have a particular plan for a game. It works well for everyone. It’s special to be off on Christmas Day. I don’t think it’s happened in my Premier League career so far. I’ll make the most of being with my family and enjoy it all.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
Hotel rule scrapped
Van Dijk has also welcomed another change under the new management – the adjustment to pre-match preparations for home fixtures. Whilst Klopp insisted the squad spend the night before an Anfield match in a hotel together, Slot has taken a different approach, allowing players to rest at home instead.
“It’s everyone’s own preference, but it’s the rules now,” Van Dijk said last season. “Personally, I like to sleep in my own bed and be with my family, and so it works out quite well. But what we did in the past worked out quite well, too, as we’ve been very successful in terms of winning.”
He continued: “Personally, at this stage of my life, I definitely like to be as much at home as possible. And I’ve got all the resources to get myself ready in terms of recovery, whether it’s a pool, sauna, ice bath, or anything else I need to get ready.
“Obviously, we travel quite a lot (as well); FaceTime is a big tool that could sort of keep you a little with your family. But this year, the regime has changed, and we have a little bit more time to be home and not spending time in too many hotels, and it gives you a little bit more time to be with your family.”
Media relations
Slot takes a markedly different approach to his predecessor when it comes to handling the press. Whilst Klopp could oscillate between jovial banter with journalists and delivering passionate retorts when particular subjects arose, Slot presents a more composed demeanour before the cameras.
The current Anfield chief regularly declined to be drawn into ongoing contract negotiations last season, as speculation constantly swirled around Van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah. When the Egyptian spoke publicly against the club earlier this month, Slot skilfully defused the tension after omitting him from the matchday squad for the Inter Milan fixture.
“As I said last week, actions speak louder than words and we moved on. He was in the squad and he was the first substitution I made,” Slot commented following Liverpool’s victory over Brighton.
“But now he is at the AFCON, playing big games for himself and the country, so I think it is fair to them, and also to us because we are going to play some important games, that all the focus is for him over there and there should not be any distraction from me saying things about his time at Liverpool.
“We have moved on after the Leeds interview and he played against Brighton. Now he is there, so it is fair for his country, and for him and us, to talk about Tottenham and other games.”
Tactical adjustments
Liverpool became famous for their high-tempo attacking style under Klopp, but Slot introduced subtle modifications last season. Despite working with the same players, Slot seemed to prefer a more measured approach during their Premier League success.
Most significantly, he successfully converted Ryan Gravenberch into a deeper-lying position last season. After a hectic summer window, the Liverpool manager has been forced to further adapt his side.
Maximising the potential of Florian Wirtz, whether deployed wide or as a number 10, continues to be an evolving task. Meanwhile, Salah had not featured in the starting eleven for the club’s previous five matches before departing to represent Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, which would have been inconceivable under Klopp.
Transfer responsibilities
Klopp witnessed his impact on transfers increase during his tenure at the club, especially after sporting directors Michael Edwards and Julian Ward departed the Reds. Slot holds a different position within the present structure, concentrating on the daily management of the squad, following Richard Hughes’ arrival as sporting director and Edwards’ comeback in a fresh role, working for owners FSG.
Speaking on his relationship with Hughes last year, Slot said: “(Contact) is not on a daily basis but it is the same every month. I have had a very good relationship from the start with Richard, which is one of the reasons why I loved to join the club. I have talked about the fans and the players we have.
“But if the relationship with the sporting director is not the best you will not go – but it was the contrary of that because I had a good feeling from the start about the person and definitely about the professional. It is the same with Michael Edwards and everyone, but the main one I communicate with is Richard.”
