'Slot switch so right... where Gunners and United failed'

LIVERPOOL great John Barnes claims the Reds have succeeded with Arne Slot where Manchester United and Arsenal failed in replacing a legend.

- BY DAVID ANDERSON

Slot had the daunting task of following Jurgen Klopp after David Moyes had flopped when he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and Unai Emery had failed at Arsenal after Arsene Wenger.

Barnes (below) claims it would have been no surprise if players’ levels had dropped off under Slot because they were all Klopp’s signings.

And the fact they did the opposite to take the Reds to the verge of a record-equalling 20th title speaks volumes for Slot’s man-management.

Barnes says Slot, who needs just a point against Tottenham today to become the first Dutch boss to win an English league title, got every player to buy into his philosophy.

Slot is less ‘heavy metal’ than Klopp, with possession as his touchstone.

"It would have been easy for the Liverpool players to, not down tools, but underperform because they would not have been blamed," said Barnes.

"People would have said, ‘It's because Klopp isn't there and Arne Slot isn’t good enough’.