Rickie Lambert has made a prediction about Arne Slot’s debut season at Liverpool.
Arne Slot has big shoes to fill at Anfield as he bids to build on a hugely successful eight years under Jurgen Klopp.
The German boss bid farewell to Liverpool supporters on Sunday after delivering eight trophies during his spell in Merseyside.
Slot himself is no stranger to success having picked up an Eredivisie title and Dutch Cup in his three years at Feyenoord. The 45-year-old also prefers a similar style of football to Klopp and that should make the transition much more straightforward.
But Rickie Lambert isn’t expecting the Dutch boss to pull up any trees during the early stages of his Liverpool tenure.
READ MORE: Rickie Lambert says Liverpool have a player who could be as good as Fernando Torres
Lambert makes Slot prediction after Jurgen Klopp leaves Liverpool
Speaking on talkSPORT [23/05 9:15 am], Lambert admitted he doesn’t expect Slot to challenge for the title in his debut season.
“I would love to think he’s going to hit the ground running but how often does that happen? It’s probably going to take him a year to get used to the squad, probably bring in a couple of players of his own choice and then by next season, I’m hoping for us to be challenging,” the former Liverpool man said.
“You don’t know if Pep’s going to be at Man City, where Arsenal’s going to be at. I think that squad at Liverpool has still got a good few years in it. I’m hoping at the latest a year we’re challenging again.”
READ MORE: Journalist says how incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot completely stunned one of his contacts
Robin van Persie backs Slot to succeed at Liverpool
Not many know what to expect from Liverpool next season given it’s been almost nine years since we’ve seen them play under anyone other than Klopp.
Slot is likely to be given time to get things right at Anfield, particularly after such a monumental figure in Klopp has headed out the door.
With that being said, former Arsenal and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has recently backed Slot to be a success at Liverpool.
“I think very well, very well,” he said. “How he wants to play is in line with Klopp’s style of play and what they are used to there. I expect them to do very well.
“Liverpool is one of the nicer clubs in England. It is a very nice, new opportunity for him. I believe it will go very well.”
Liverpool fans are unlikely to be expecting a title push next season as Slot goes about shaping the squad in his image. But the Dutchman will be inheriting a talented side that will be familiar with his high-energy style of football.
That could help Slot get off to a fast start and prove crucial in winning the Liverpool faithful over.