Reds' Arne does what United and Gunners couldn't

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

- EXCLUSIVE BY DAVID ANDERSON

David Moyes flopped when he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson at United and Unai Emery failed at Arsenal after Arsene Wenger.

Barnes claims it would have been understandable if the Liverpool players had dropped off under Slot when he followed Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, because they were all the German's signings.

The fact they did the opposite to carry Liverpool to the verge of an unheralded record-equalling 20th title speaks volumes for Slot's man management skills, says Barnes (right).

Slot needs just a point at home against Tottenham today to become the first Dutchman to win an English league title.

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

"People would have said, 'It's because Klopp isn't there and Arne Slot isn't good enough'. Whereas the players are taking on board exactly what he wants and we can see the outcome.

"When Wenger left and when Fergie left, there was a dip in those clubs.

"So Arne Slot has to take a lot of credit for that and so do the players because they bought into what he wanted."