Jurgen Klopp’s Departure and Liverpool’s New Direction Under Arne Slot

When Jurgen Klopp announced in January that he would leave Liverpool in the summer, fans quickly began to speculate about his successor, and one name dominated the conversation: Xabi Alonso.

A beloved former player and Champions League winner, Alonso had garnered attention for his impressive work at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the team to an unbeaten domestic season and a potential double.

However, Alonso made it clear he was not interested in returning to Anfield, opting to continue his development in Germany.

This opened the door for Arne Slot, the 46-year-old coach making waves at Feyenoord. Slot was seen as an ideal fit to take on the daunting task of succeeding Klopp, thanks to his calm demeanor and footballing philosophy that emphasized pressing and tactical organization.

Liverpool’s new sporting director, Richard Hughes, and chief executive, Michael Edwards, placed their full trust in Slot, who was the only candidate offered the position, despite interest in Ruben Amorim.

Slot’s ability to handle the pressure that comes with following a legendary figure like Klopp was a major factor in their decision.

On a night when Alonso returned to the technical area as an opponent, Slot showcased why Liverpool made the right choice. While it’s impossible to know how things might have gone with Alonso at the helm, Liverpool supporters have little reason for regret. They currently sit atop the Premier League and the new Champions League format, having decisively defeated Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 at Anfield.

As Liverpool secured the victory, Slot’s name rang out from the stands. He remained focused on the game, only acknowledging the fans after the match—a stark contrast to Alonso, who, while showing appreciation for his traveling supporters, refrained from engaging with the home crowd during a challenging evening for his side, especially after Luis Diaz completed his hat-trick.

Despite the defeat, Alonso will always be cherished at Anfield. He attempted to rally his players with gestures urging calm and composure, which helped during a lackluster first half. However, once Liverpool broke through Leverkusen’s defense, the tide turned dramatically.

Slot has made a remarkable start at Liverpool, maintaining a low-key demeanor that contrasts sharply with Klopp’s more animated style. If there’s one area for improvement, it’s ensuring that the team is ready from the first whistle; Liverpool has often struggled in first halves this season. They found themselves down 1-0 to Brighton at halftime before turning the match around to win 2-1, showcasing a tendency to save their best performances for after the break.

So far this season, Liverpool has scored 22 goals in the second half compared to just 15 in the first, highlighting the need for a stronger start. With 147 shots in the second half versus 97 in the first, Slot will aim to harness this momentum from the outset in future matches.