He’s worked with what he inherited, which adds to the excitement looking to next season. Slot has already spoken of work in the background targeting players to strengthen the team and squad. He clearly has forged a good relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes. They’ll know exactly where to strengthen. Potential targets will know they will be joining a team who are champions of the strongest league in the world.
They will be joining a side with a proven, elite-level head coach. His impact is remarkable. Slot tends to deflect praise directed his way. He lauds the players, those who start, those who come on and those who remain on the bench. The very best managers inspire and organise the starting XI while keeping all the supporting cast feeling loved and primed mentally, physically and tactically. It’s in Slot’s nature. He cares for all his players. He makes sure all those not starting feel important.
Football’s tribal, and Liverpool fans won’t care what others think, but Slot is certainly respected across the country. He’s not complained about injuries: Diogo Jota for three months, Trent Alexander-Arnold (two months) Alisson Becker (two), Conor Bradley (two), Ibrahima Konate (one), and others.
The Dutchman comes across well in interviews. He doesn’t trot out platitudes post-match. He gives considered answers. You learn listening to Slot. He smiles, too. How many managers do that in such a stressful, high-stakes industry? He sounds honoured to manage Liverpool. He loves his job, loves the sport. He doesn’t appear to have a large ego or a quickness to show anger. He’s pretty controlled, barring one moment at Goodison Park (which Liverpool fans totally understood).
