Life after Klopp – will new boss Slot in or be big flop?
LIVERPOOL head into a new season for the first time in almost a decade as a bit of an unknown quantity.
New manager Arne Slot has worked tirelessly this summer trying to minimise the level of disruption from the transition.
But there has been a total refresh of the coaching staff.
Slot’s style of play is different to that of predecessor Jurgen Klopp, but there are similarities.
There will be more focus on possession and building up from the back in a more patient manner, but old habits will die hard.
“Not only an important week, an important year to come,” said Slot on Sunday after their 4-1 win against Sevilla and 0-0 draw with Las Palmas, both at Anfield.
“We have to improve day by day.We saw in both games a lot of good things but I can make a big list also of things we have to improve on, which is completely normal.
“We have only been [working] with this for a week, so they have to adjust to new ideas. It’s normal that we are far from perfect, but even being far from perfect we can score four.”
Liverpool head to Ipswich on Saturday for a lunchtime kick off. Town, who have been out of the top tier for 22 years, are sure to be up for it.
There have been hints about Slot’s changes.
The passing style has been in evidence but Liverpool also pressed high at times and were not afraid to use the pace of Mo Salah in behind with clipped balls over the top from distance.
The changes to the set-piece routine were probably the most evident.
But there has been much continuity, with no new signings so far, though there is a clear need for a new No.6 to add control in midfield.
“As a club like we are, we are always looking to strengthen the squad,” said Slot.
“But it’s not so easy to strengthen if you see both games on Sunday.”