Arne Slot Explains Why Liverpool Were Better Last Season

In a candid interview, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot reflected on his debut 2024-25 season, explaining why his team outperformed the previous campaign under Jürgen Klopp despite high expectations.[1][2] Slot, who joined from Feyenoord on June 1, 2024, led the Reds to Premier League glory with four matches to spare, amassing 79 points from 33 games (24 wins, 7 draws, 2 losses) and sitting 13 points clear at the top.[1][5]

Slot attributed Liverpool's superiority to tactical evolution and player improvements. He built on Klopp's foundation with a fluid 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing possession dominance and defensive solidity—13 clean sheets in the first half of the season.[1][4] Key wins, like 2-0 triumphs over Real Madrid and Manchester City in November, showcased this: Liverpool outshot Madrid 17-8 and City 18-8.[2] Slot highlighted Ryan Gravenberch's transformation from a struggling midfielder to a pivotal force, alongside surges from Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Ibrahima Konaté.[2]

Despite a mid-season dip—six defeats in seven Premier League games dropping to 12th—the team rebounded, entering 2025 nine points clear and topping the Champions League.[3] Slot broke records: first Liverpool manager to win eight of his initial 10 league games, longest unbeaten run (24 matches), and most wins (36) in 50 games.[2] He credited a "rock-solid foundation" inherited from Klopp, refined with his assured, low-key approach, turning Liverpool into an "incessant winning machine."[2][4]

Comparing to Klopp's best, Slot's side matched dominance with fewer losses (one in 27 early matches) and higher points per game (2.39).[1] The campaign included a League Cup final loss to Newcastle but cemented Slot's legacy alongside elite managers like Mourinho and Ancelotti.[4][5] Looking ahead, Slot eyes sustained success through talent integration and tactical continuity.[1]

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