Slot at risk of going too slow with Liverpool evolution

Last season had barely finished when one man at Anfield launched into a chorus of Arne Slot’s nam.

- RICHARD JOLLY

Many another joined in. It helped, of course, that the instigator of the chant was Jurgen Klopp, in a parting gift.

Klopp set the scene for Slot’s reign. His will also be the spectre that looms over it. Liverpool have lost their biggest character, their best communicator, their most charismatic figure. Their history shows that they can go on to greater success thereafter: Bob Paisley won more trophies than the iconic Bill Shankly. And if such a comparison applies pressure to Slot, the Dutchman has spent team meetings looking at areas where Liverpool can improve from last season.

Klopp gave “Liverpool 2.0” their nickname. He was their biggest advocate. At least, to continue the references to Liverpool’s past, Slot has not started off as the Graeme Souness to the German’s Kenny Dalglish. He has not taken an axe to the group of players he inherited; Klopp felt he left a “fantastic squad” and his selflessness in rebuilding and promoting younger players showed he was planning for a future without him. The criticism, instead, has been that Slot, new director of football Richard Hughes and the returning transfer guru, Michael Edwards, have done too little so far.