Liverpool are celebrating a historic moment after winning their 20th top-flight title, and much of the credit goes to Arne Slot, who has delivered silverware in his very first season at Anfield.
But what exactly did the Dutchman do to turn Liverpool back into champions so quickly?
When Jurgen Klopp announced his departure earlier last year, many wondered how Liverpool would move forward. Klopp had transformed the team, rebuilt the midfield, and left behind a strong squad. Yet, his final season ended with only the Carabao Cup and a third-place league finish, far from the dreams of a glorious send-off. Despite that, Klopp was clear that Liverpool’s story would not end with him, but continue into a new chapter.
Arne Slot was officially appointed in May, alongside the arrival of sporting director Richard Hughes. Together, they made a key decision that shaped Liverpool’s path: they trusted the squad Klopp had built rather than making sweeping changes. Targets like Martin Zubimendi slipped away, but instead of panicking, they stayed calm. Only forward Federico Chiesa was brought in, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was signed but left at Valencia for another year.
Very few predicted Slot could succeed immediately. Taking over from someone like Klopp, who had become a giant figure at Liverpool, was seen as one of football’s toughest jobs. However, the club’s choice showed their thinking. Instead of chasing a complete overhaul, they wanted someone who could work with what already existed, make smart adjustments, and keep the team moving forward without losing their identity.
Slot’s calm nature stood out from the beginning. Unlike Klopp’s passionate energy on the sidelines, Slot offered a more controlled figure in the dugout. He kept a lower profile, even choosing not to live in the famous manager’s house in Formby that had been home to Steven Gerrard, Brendan Rodgers, and Klopp himself. Instead, he stayed in an apartment, keeping family life back in Zwolle.
This quieter style also carried onto the pitch. Liverpool players responded well to the different atmosphere. Slot demanded high standards without the dramatics, making tough decisions when needed. In his very first match, he substituted young defender Jarell Quansah at halftime for struggling in aerial battles. It sent a strong message that no place in the team was guaranteed and that expectations were high for everyone.
Slot also showed he was willing to make small tactical changes without tearing up the playbook. Liverpool continued to press high and play aggressively, but there was a bit more control in their game. Players managed matches better, avoiding the chaotic moments that sometimes cost points in previous seasons. Slot’s background in developing players individually also paid off, with several young stars stepping up their performances.
The timing of Liverpool’s wins also mattered. With a heavy focus on maintaining energy levels late in the season, Liverpool stayed strong while rivals dropped points. This approach kept them steady through the final stretch, ensuring they didn’t stumble like they had the year before.
Off the field, Slot maintained a positive but serious tone. There were no wild celebrations, no racing down touchlines after wins. But that did not mean the passion was missing. It simply came out in a different way—through preparation, discipline, and the ability to block out distractions, even when the comparisons to Klopp never stopped coming.
Winning the Premier League title in his first season has placed Arne Slot among a rare group of managers. Liverpool’s decision to bet on calmness, continuity, and careful improvement instead of radical change has paid off. With the club now looking to the future under Slot, they have shown that sometimes the best way forward is not to reinvent everything, but to trust the foundations already built.