Sam Allardyce delivers candid verdict on Arne Slot amid Liverpool’s struggling form
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Arne Slot has made a strong impression at Liverpool, and his work has not gone unnoticed by those who know the Premier League well.When he took over in 2024 after Jurgen Klopp’s long spell in charge, not many fans knew much about the Dutchman.But he quickly proved himself by leading Liverpool to a league title in his first season – something very few managers achieve.This season has not started quite as smoothly, but there is still plenty of belief that Slot can lead this group to challenge another league title.The past three games have highlighted some ongoing problems with both tactics and individual form, though there is nothing that suggests it cannot be turned around.Sam Allardyce praises Arne Slot for a smooth transition from Jurgen KloppPhoto by Carl Recine/Getty ImagesConcerns about Liverpool’s current form are justified, but questioning the former Feyenoord manager’s ability after last season’s achievements would be harsh.Sam Allardyce is among several former managers who have spoken highly of Slot since he joined the club.On his No Tippy Tappy Football podcast, ‘Big Sam’ was asked to rank the top 10 managers in the league right now and placed the Liverpool boss second, just behind Oliver Glasner.Discussing how well the Dutchman had handled things so far, Allardyce said: “I think he’s done a fabulous job, and I think that I probably should have had him at number one. But I think that to come into a football club and buy only one player and the manager that left had such a big personality and such a big love by the fans and by everybody at Liverpool, and done so much for Liverpool that you’re taking over an enormous task.“But it was the quiet way he did it for me, not too much emotion, not too much ranting and raving.
In fact, he’s been ranting and raving more this year.“So there’s something he’s not totally happy with at the minute, but that’s a rare thing to take over somebody. Nine years, something like that, and we’ve seen so many clubs that have to replace a manager who’s been there a long time, fail like Arsenal when Arsene left, (Manchester United) when Alex left.“Liverpool for many years, when Bob Paisley left, and it’s a difficult one when there’s a long stay by the manager having to be replaced, and he’s done that brilliantly, and all the fans still love Klopp but are now very comfortable because he slotted in nicely.”Why Arne Slot’s approach is just what Liverpool neededAllardyce summed up well just how tricky it can be to step into the shoes of someone as popular as Klopp.
His calm presence and tactical understanding were exactly what Liverpool needed after such a high-energy era.The contrast between his style and his predecessor’s is clear, but it has worked in Liverpool’s favour. The club did not need another big personality, they needed someone who could quietly keep things moving forward.READ MORE: Mohamed Salah’s past remarks shed light on struggles with Alexander Isak at LiverpoolThis season has not started perfectly, but nothing about Slot’s time at Anfield so far suggests this rough patch will last long.