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It’s official, Arne Slot will take over as Liverpool manager next season, replacing Jurgen Klopp.  

However, Slot will not be inheriting a team at the peak of its powers. Instead, he’ll be taking over a top-four side entering that phase where settling for Champions League qualification is the order of the day.  

In this article, we’ll discuss the final months of Klopp’s farewell tour and Liverpool’s prospects under the incoming boss, including betting tips and football predictions on what to expect from Slot’s Liverpool side.  

**Klopp’s final season & his Liverpool legacy**

When the news broke that Klopp would be leaving at the end of the season, a narrative quickly emerged that the Liverpool players would use the news as motivation to romp to the title. That line of thought had some merit as they were in excellent form, and top of the table.   

However, things didn’t go to plan. Klopp’s farewell tour unraveled quickly, with the team’s issues becoming more apparent in the final weeks of the season as the Reds went from potentially winning an unprecedented quadruple to finishing the season with just one trophy – the Carabao Cup.  

Even the canniest online betting expert did not see this capitulation coming. Defeats to Manchester United in the FA Cup and Atalanta in the Europa League, combined with defeats to Everton, and Crystal Palace effectively ended their title (and treble) dreams, leaving Liverpool in disarray.  

Regardless of the underwhelming finish, Klopp’s legacy at Anfield is cemented. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest figures in Liverpool’s history, alongside legendary names like Bill Shankly, Kenny Dalglish, and Ian Rush.  

The German leaves Liverpool knowing that he can take pride in the seven major honors he’s won during his tenure. It is important to remember the state of the club when he arrived. The Reds were struggling; wallowing in mediocrity under Brendan Rodgers and needed to be revitalized.  

Klopp brought exactly that, introducing his signature high-pressing, fast-paced style of play that emphasized teamwork and unity. This approach was deeply rooted in Liverpool’s rich history, but also infused with Klopp’s innovative tactics that he popularized in his time with Borussia Dortmund. Judging by the playing squad Klopp inherited, no one would have predicted that he would lead Liverpool to a UEFA Champions League title within 4 years.  

Through smart moves in the transfer window and a willingness to nurture young talent, he built a formidable team, a winning machine with depth and talent. From the dynamic attacking trio of Salah, Mane, and Firmino to the defensive nous and leadership of Van Dijk, Klopp instilled a winning mentality throughout the squad. He turned the fortunes of the club around, and his legacy is forever solidified.  

**Is Arne Slot a worthy replacement?**

Slot emerged as a top candidate for the Liverpool job due to his impressive track record of developing young talent, achieving success on a modest budget, and European experience.   

His high-intensity coaching style aligns with Liverpool’s existing philosophy, making him a natural fit to succeed Klopp. His time at Feyenoord has been largely successful, leading the team to their first Eredivisie title since 2017 and winning the KNVB Cup in 2023. They also defied every football prediction by reaching the Europa Conference League final in 2022, narrowly losing out to Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma.   

**Slot has spoken about his philosophy, saying: **

“I want as many good football players as possible in the team and I want to make them work as hard as possible. I believe that when we work to perfect our habits every day, we have more chance to cut out luck.”  

His style of play is similar to Klopp in many ways. High pressing, high intensity, defenders pushing up as high as possible, with a view to dominating the game from start to finish.   

In that sense, he is the perfect replacement from a stylistic point of view, but will it work? Only time will tell.  

**Arne Slot’s To-Do List as New Liverpool Manager**

When Slot officially takes over, he has some important decisions to make, alongside new sporting director Richard Hughes.  

The first and perhaps most important is the contract situation surrounding the club’s three best players. Mohamed Salah, Virgil Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three players are in the final year of their contracts and will become free agents in the summer of 2025.   

Salah has underwhelmed since he suffered a hamstring injury at AFCON 2023. While the 32-year-old still played well last season, at several points, he looked some way off his peak and managed to score just 3 goals in his last 9 appearances. As he approaches the final year of his contract, Slot faces a dilemma: sign off on offering his talisman a new bumper contract or allow him to move on?  

The incoming boss must also decide whether to keep/sell Darwin Nunez. His return of 18 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this season is certainly respectable, but he has failed to deliver when the stakes are raised, with just 1 goal in his last 8 games.  Will he ever live up to his potential?   

There is also a need for high-level additions in defence, where Joel Matip’s impending exit will leave a hole, and in midfield where the Reds have looked short at times, especially with Thiago Alcantara on his way out as well.  

One thing’s for sure - Slot should have the full support of the Liverpool board in the transfer window. The priority should be for him to build a team capable of challenging Manchester City and Arsenal and if he can get the right pieces in, next season should be very exciting indeed.  

While it’s almost impossible to replicate Jurgen Klopp’s legacy, he has an opportunity to forge his own path and create a new chapter in the club’s history. 

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Jurgen Klopp's exit means a period of uncertainty for Liverpool. Find out what we think Liverpool fans can expect from their new manager going forward!

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New Dawn at Anfield: Is Arne Slot the Right Man to Replace Klopp?