Image Credits: Imago Images
Arne Slot believes that last season’s triumph postponed the end of an era at Liverpool.
When Arne Slot took over from Jurgen Klopp at the end of the 2023/24 season, nobody expected the Reds to be immediately competitive.
But that they were, as the manager to usher in a new era at Liverpool soared to Premier League title success at the first time of asking.
However, over-achieving during his debut campaign is now hurting Arne Slot, with the bar set unrealistically high.
It has been a dismal title defence from his side, with the club currently languishing in fifth and facing a real battle to qualify for the Champions League next season.
They will also have to turn over a 2-0 deficit against PSG in their upcoming quarter-final second leg to give them one last punt at any kind of silverware this season.
After winning the Premier League title, Fenway Sports Group opened up their war chest, providing Arne Slot with the funds necessary to transform the squad.
£450m later and Arne Slot had his new-look Liverpool.
The players that arrived were blockbuster names, but they have failed to put on a show this season since the curtain raised on the new Premier League season back in August.
Milos Kerkez took a while to find his feet, Florian Wirtz has never really got going, Alexander Isak and Jeremie Frimpong’s first seasons in Red have been plagued by injuries and Hugo Ekitike has only shown promise in bursts.
In a press conference leading up to Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Fulham on Saturday, Arne Slot has issued a reminder to fans that a period of decline was expected, despite the success of last season.
As quoted by The Guardian, Arne Slot said: “It is normal in football that you have cycles. The good thing when you have a cycle, and has also happened the opposite way, is that Mo [Salah] and Robbo [Andy Robertson] have announced they are leaving, but when they came in they worked with other players as well.
“I’m really happy that Mo and Robbo have worked with all of the signings we did last summer because they have been able to see what the club means to them and how hard they work.”
“That is a normal process at successful clubs, or any club, that there is an end to a cycle. That’s not something that is new to us. The great thing is that we maybe postponed that cycle with last season.”
Arne Slot faces immense pressure to turn things around, with the amount of money Liverpool spent last summer not doing him any favours.
Many were left devastated by the exit of Jurgen Klopp but with the success of Arne Slot during his first season, it made the fans believe that the highs would last forever but that is why the lack of success this season has been felt so strongly.
The Liverpool manager retains the belief that he still has the backing of FSG and together they appreciate all that Arne Slot has had to deal with this campaign with the Dutchman currently expected to remain in the role next season.
They may reconsider their stance if Liverpool fail to qualify for the Champions League next season, but as things stand, the Premier League title winner will remain in charge to see Liverpool into 2026/27.
