From Klopp to King: How Arne Slot Made Liverpool Champions Again

When Jurgen Klopp said his emotional goodbye to Anfield under the May sunshine last year, few could have imagined just how smooth the next chapter would be.

As he sang “Arne Slot, la la la” into the mic, Klopp made one simple request: “Welcome the new boss like you welcomed me. Believe from day one.”

The German had led Liverpool to glory – Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup – and leaving behind that kind of legacy is usually a recipe for chaos. Instead, just 11 months later, Slot has written his own incredible story, steering Liverpool to a record-equalling 20th English title – and doing it with four games to spare.

Turns out Klopp was right: change really was good.

A Smooth Transition

When Slot was finally confirmed as Klopp’s successor, he kept his head down. No bold promises. No big unveilings. Just respect for the man before him and quiet focus on the job ahead.

He didn’t rip things up; he built on them.

Slot’s first words to fans summed it up: “There’s a change, but hopefully not a big one.”

That philosophy showed from the start. He didn’t overhaul Klopp’s heavy-metal football – he tweaked it. Out went the relentless all-out press; in came a more measured 4-2-3-1 setup, giving players like Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai the space to shine.

The result? Liverpool felt fresh without feeling unfamiliar.

Flying Start

Three wins from three to kick off the Premier League season – including a 3-0 hammering of Man United – had fans dreaming early. Even when Nottingham Forest handed Slot his first defeat, Liverpool didn’t panic.

That setback in September turned out to be the last time they tasted defeat for almost four months.

By December, Slot’s side had crushed Manchester City 2-0 at Anfield, blowing Pep Guardiola’s champions away with a 35-minute masterclass. That win put Liverpool nine points clear – a gap they would never relinquish.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Slot masterminded a perfect start in the Champions League. Seven wins from seven, including a long-overdue triumph over Real Madrid, proved Liverpool were back among the elite.

A Few Bumps – But No Crisis

Of course, it wasn’t all plain sailing.

January and February saw Liverpool stumble. They slipped out of the FA Cup to Plymouth Argyle, lost the EFL Cup final to Newcastle, and exited the Champions League to PSG – albeit on penalties after dominating much of the tie.

But in the league, the damage was minimal. Slot’s men stayed locked in, grinding out vital wins even when performances dipped.

By the time nerves could have crept in, Liverpool’s lead was already too big. Even when Fulham ended their 26-match unbeaten league run, it barely registered. This Liverpool side had grown used to winning – and didn’t forget how.

Big Names, Big Decisions

One subplot could’ve derailed the season: the futures of Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. All three were nearing the end of their contracts. Salah even said in January it was “likely” his last season.

But Slot, unflappable as ever, refused to let it become a distraction. Liverpool kept winning. Salah kept scoring. Van Dijk kept bossing the defence. Trent kept creating magic from deep.

When Salah and Van Dijk finally put pen to paper on new deals earlier this month, it felt like a reward for the calm Slot had instilled all season.

A Title for the Fans

Liverpool’s last title win in 2020 happened behind closed doors. Not this time.

As Anfield rocked to the sound of celebrations after sealing the crown, it was clear: this was a title not just built on Klopp’s legacy, but proudly crafted in Slot’s image too.

Measured, smart, fearless when needed, and – above all – united.

Klopp gave Liverpool belief. Slot gave them a new way to win.

And if this is just the start, the Premier League had better watch out.