Arne Slot will unleash a £304 million investment for Liverpool following FSG’s dismay at the manager plan.
One of the main reasons for appointing Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp’s successor was to maintain continuity rather than overhaul Liverpool’s established system. Under Klopp, the team had been meticulously built to fit his tactical style, including a revamped midfield costing around £150m shortly after Cody Gakpo’s £40m acquisition and a year after Darwin Nunez’s £64m transfer. Adding Luis Diaz in January 2022 for up to £50m further solidified the foundation for what was intended to be another great era under Klopp.a
Overall, assembling the squad cost Liverpool about £304m. Therefore, starting anew with a coach whose strategies differed significantly from Klopp’s would have undermined the long-term plan. Klopp’s unexpected decision to step down at the end of the season was a shock to both the club and Fenway Sports Group. Despite this, the core of a top-tier squad remains, making it essential to hire a coach whose philosophy aligns closely with Klopp’s to preserve the value of their substantial investments. This summer, the focus is on evolution, not revolution.
The search for Klopp’s replacement was described as “data-driven,” reflecting Liverpool’s commitment to thorough data analysis, even if it led to unconventional choices that might not immediately thrill fans but required boldness to implement.
In terms of personality, Klopp was irreplaceable due to his charisma and global fan appeal. However, the style of football didn’t need to change drastically from the high-intensity, high-pressing approach that has characterized the team for nearly a decade.
Klopp generally preferred a 4-3-3 formation, especially when Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane played together, with Roberto Firmino excelling in the ‘false 9’ role. Klopp often credited Firmino’s unique skill set, but it was also the result of extensive training that transformed him from a struggling attacking midfielder under Brendan Rodgers into a selfless striker who facilitated Mane and Salah’s success.
Behind them, the midfield was workmanlike at an elite level, with players like Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, and Jordan Henderson working hard to enable the creative players to exploit dangerous areas while covering for the attacking full-backs, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.