Liverpool finally look to have found themselves a new manager, as Arne Slot edges closer to the Reds.
It has been a long old search since Jurgen Klopp shocked the world by announcing his decision to leave three months ago.
However, after Slot emerged as Liverpool’s choice on Tuesday, things have been moving quickly. An opening bid to Feyenoord was rejected on Wednesday, with negotiations currently ongoing.
Although there are certainly question marks over whether the 45-year-old can make the jump from the Netherlands to Anfield, there’s also a lot to like about Slot.
And with Liverpool falling short in the Premier League title race once again under Klopp, thoughts are beginning to turn to whether the Dutchman can go one better next year.
Chris Sutton makes Arne Slot prediction
As Jamie Carragher pointed out on Friday morning, Liverpool would be looking to push on under Klopp next season if he were to stay.
Although there has been disappointment over recent weeks, it has still been a campaign of improvement under Jurgen. If he had stayed put, the Reds would have been sure to be in the picture again next year.
With the 56-year-old leaving though, it’s a real mystery how Liverpool will look. We’ve not been in this position for nine years.
Nevertheless, Slot is clearly a good manager and the Reds’ first-team squad is strong. Business will surely be done in the transfer window, too. Asked whether this will be enough to see Liverpool as challengers under the new boss next season, Chris Sutton told the It’s All Kicking Off! podcast that he could see it happening.
“I think so,” Sutton answered. “It’s only my opinion but I think Salah it feels like a natural end as well, but I think if you look at the squad, yes it does,” I think you look at the midfield, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister have improved this season and they’re only going to get better. I don’t know the situation with Trent, with his contract running out.
“I think they’ve got a pretty decent core. I’m a big fan of Diaz as well, Jota’s had injuries, can Darwin improve his finishing. But I think they’ve got a squad which should be up there and of course recruitment is always a big deal and Arne Slot will want to come in and make his mark with regards to that and he’ll have certain ideas on players.”
Can Liverpool win the title under Arne Slot
First things first, this isn’t a done deal yet, that should be pointed out. Nevertheless, we’ve already taken a look at how Liverpool might line up under Slot. It looks like a pretty strong team.
With one or two good additions, there’s no reason the Reds can’t kick on and be right up there next season.
Having said that, Slot should not be focusing on that immediately. It’s important that the Dutchman does not get ahead of himself.
Klopp took a while to get going fully at Anfield and although Liverpool will be starting from a higher base under Slot, expectations need to be managed.
Obviously, the Reds should be a title-winning club, though. And the hope will be that Slot can once again provide that.
