After a low-key start on the touchline, Arne Slot brought plenty of fire during Liverpool’s gritty victory over Chelsea.
His animated reaction in injury time, when he exploded in frustration at referee John Brooks for penalizing Darwin Nunez after a rough challenge from Renato Veiga, was an unforgettable moment. Spinning around and pretending to tear out his hair (despite having none), it was the kind of outburst reminiscent of Jose Mourinho at his peak or even Basil Fawlty in full meltdown mode.
If there were any doubts about Slot’s ability to tap into the passion at Anfield, they were erased in comical fashion. In just over three months at Liverpool, he’s emerged from the shadow of his predecessor, becoming the first manager in the club’s history to win 10 of his first 11 matches. But it’s not just his tactical acumen that’s drawing comparisons to Jurgen Klopp; it’s his lively touchline presence too.
When Slot arrived from Feyenoord, there was some uncertainty about whether he could bring the same kind of emotional flair that Klopp was famous for. After all, Klopp is one of the Premier League’s greatest showmen. But Slot’s mini meltdown showed he can electrify a crowd just by sheer force of personality. His passionate display seemed to energize his players as well, with Nunez’s animated protest at Brooks’ decision echoing the drama coming from his manager.
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Stepping into the shoes of a legendary figure is no easy task, yet Slot is doing so with impressive conviction. He’s already racked up wins against heavyweights like Chelsea, AC Milan, and Manchester United, with his bond with the Kop growing stronger every game. While it’s still early to make any definitive judgments, Liverpool’s narrow lead over Manchester City, backed by 15 league goals scored and just three conceded, is a promising sign.
With an upcoming Champions League clash at RB Leipzig, the argument that Liverpool can challenge for major trophies this season is gaining weight. Slot’s consistency and calmness highlight the wisdom of Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s chief football executive, in picking the right person for the job.
Slot is not just following Klopp’s blueprint but carving out his own path. Instead of Klopp’s “heavy metal” style, he’s embraced a more refined, possession-focused approach, which could be crucial in dethroning Pep Guardiola’s City. And while Slot’s sideline antics earned him his first yellow card—he was booked for persistently protesting a non-call on Mohamed Salah—fans seemed unfazed. “I deserved it,” he admitted, explaining that his frustration stemmed from several decisions not going their way. To be fair, Brooks struggled to control a match where tensions ran high, with Slot spending much of the first half challenging the fourth official.
Initially, Slot was cautious, aware of the risks of trying to imitate Klopp’s legendary status. But with success has come confidence, and he’s now eager to make his own mark. His style, which he describes as creating chaos when needed while maintaining control of possession, was on display against an ambitious Chelsea. Though the game was a bit more open than he might have liked, with Moises Caicedo frequently finding space in midfield, Liverpool’s defense held firm after Curtis Jones put them ahead.
This composure and resilience are the hallmarks of potential champions. Aside from a surprise defeat to Nottingham Forest, Slot’s Liverpool have been characterized by a steady tempo and a solid defense, with Caoimhin Kelleher largely untroubled apart from Nicolas Jackson’s goal. The biggest threat seemed to come from VAR, whose frequent reviews only added to Slot’s growing agitation. It was only when Salah converted a penalty, following a foul on Jones by Levi Colwill, that Slot allowed himself a quiet celebration.
Throughout the match, Slot channeled his frustrations into driving his team forward, making sure they responded to the officiating setbacks by working even harder. He took over at Liverpool with a clean slate, and now, to the delight of his former doubters, he’s filling it with ever more vibrant strokes.
