The end of last season was a pivotal moment in Liverpool’s footballing history. This saw the legend that is Jürgen Klopp leave the club and a new manager announced in the form of Dutch coach Arne Slot.
As is always the case when a manager has been such a success over a long period at one club, Klopp’s departure and Slot’s arrival has left fans wondering how things will go moving forward. One question many are pondering is whether the new coach can have the Reds challenging for the title in his first season.
What do the current Premier League odds suggest?
Before we take a closer look at whether Slot can challenge for the EPL crown in his debut season, let’s have a look at what odds the bookies are giving.
The current betting shows them at 7/1 with most sportsbooks, which leaves them third in the running behind Manchester City and Arsenal. This seems to suggest that while it will be tough to topple last season’s top two, Slot’s Liverpool could push them all the way. For more information on this, click here and check it yourself.
Could it be Liverpool’s year in 2024/25?
Arne Slot’s arrival certainly has fans excited and this is easy to understand when you look at the way he likes his teams to play. This is also one reason why the Dutch coach could guide his new team to a title bid in his first year. Slot taking the reins may well reinvigorate the Reds overall play and have people like Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and Diogo Jota scoring for fun.
The quality of players in the Liverpool squad heading into the new season is also a cause for optimism. With a remaining core of Alisson, Robertson, van Dijk, Alexander-Arnold, who were all part of the most successful Klopp sides, Slot will immediately be able to field a side with title-winning experience.
2023/24 season offers hope
Although the Reds finished third in the end last season, they were very much in the title fight until the last few games. This will surely give the players confidence that they have what it takes to mount a challenge again in the new season.
Although fans still would like more movement on the transfer front to freshen things up as Liverpool’s quest for a new defensive midfielder is still unresolved, there is no doubt that last season made it clear that challenging at the top of the table is not beyond this current group.
Why 2024/25 could simply be a year of transition
Although there are some very good reasons to believe that Arne Slot could guide Liverpool towards a title challenge in his first season, there are also reasons to temper expectations.
To begin with, managing in the Premier League will represent a massive step up for Slot. While he has tasted success coaching in the Eredivisie, the English top flight is a much stronger competition. It remains unknown as to whether Slot can hit the ground running and has what it takes to do well.
Klopp leaving: The end of an era
There are some worries about how the Klopp era ending will affect the club and what impact it could have on the players. If they do not take to the new coach or struggle to implement his ideas quickly, then a title challenge in 24/25 could be tough. The departure of Klopp could also hit team morale and have a negative impact on form in the coming season.
In addition, it might not be possible for Slot to make a serious title bid next season if other top sides in the Premier League are in scintillating form. If Manchester City and Arsenal play to their best and make the most of any new talent signed over summer, Liverpool might not get a look in.
Liverpool in 2024/25: A title charge is not out of the question
Looking at the bookies’ odds for the coming season and the reasons why Slot could have his new team challenging at the top of the table, a title bid in his first campaign is not something to be dismissed.
The end of the Jürgen Klopp era though might not be so easy to get over for the club and any hangover from this could be enough to dampen hopes. With some big-name players coming into the final year of their contracts too, the Anfield side may need something of a squad rebuild before any title dreams are possible.
