Liverpool is currently going through massive changes as the 2024/25 season begins, Jurgen Klopp has left just as some of the hallmarks of his team are entering the latter years of their career.

The transition to a new manager was always set to be a daunting task for the Reds, and they have now appointed a new set of recruitment and commercial staff to navigate this new era.

Replacing a legendary figure like Klopp is tough considering the nine years of charismatic service will undoubtedly leave a void. Although Arne Slot had an excellent record in the Netherlands with Feyenoord, the switch from Dutch football to the Premier League has previously proven difficult for players and managers. With that in mind, all eyes will be on the Dutch manager to see if he can deliver and Liverpool tickets will be strongly in demand for the 2024/25 season. 

He has nevertheless made a decent start to life in Merseyside and he must continue to show that he can manage their expectations in the Premier League and Champions League.

 Indeed, it was a case of a job done against Ipswich Town on the opening day of the 2024/25 season, as their first Premier League match in 22 years saw a passionate Portman Road give the visitors a run for their money.

Liverpool was below-par and struggled for intensity in that first half, but produced a much better showing in the second half. Diogo Jota broke the deadlock on the hour mark before Mohamed Salah added a second within five minutes to decide the maximum three points.

Salah has now recorded more goals (nine) and goal involvements (14) on the opening weekend of a Premier League season than any other player ever, as he continues to prove his worth to the team.

Notably, Ipswich were brave, bold and aggressive as they won 58% of their 53 duels in the first half mainly thanks to centre-forward Liam Delap who gave Jarell Quansah a tough runout. Slot duly replaced Quansah with Ibrahima Konate at half-time and the powerful Frenchman helped Liverpool regain control by stopping the successful outlet into Delap and giving the team a launchpad for their second-half comeback.

The Reds exploited Ipswich’s man-for-man defending by creating avenues for Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah to take on their defenders in wide areas. It is pertinent to note that the new Liverpool boss has a good reading of the game and is not afraid to make changes. 

Even though he is yet to make a signing since taking over, Slot is the first permanent Liverpool manager to win his opening league match since Graeme Souness in 1991. That makes it a commendable achievement in itself and many observers have been keen to assess the differences in this Liverpool team to the one that ended last season. 

The overall expectation has been to switch from Klopp’s heavy metal football to a more controlled kind of tempo, yet Liverpool still carried the direct threat that was notable under their ex-manager. 

Transfer inactivity

The return of Michael Edwards as chief executive of football and Richard Hughes as sporting director has seen a restructuring of their recruitment department and, amidst several first-team departures, they have a lot to do to reshape the squad. 

On the other hand, Slot is a typical training ground manager who prefers to work with the amazing talent at his disposal rather than seek solutions in the transfer market. The 45-year-old has publicly expressed his conviction that this Liverpool squad is difficult to strengthen although they will continue to weigh opportunities in the transfer market.

The Reds have tried to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad but eventually missed out after the Spain international decided to continue with his boyhood club. They remain in the hunt for a midfielder and could finally acquire the services of Atalanta’s Ederson. 

Meanwhile, Liverpool are said to be working on a deal to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili with reports from Spain suggesting that the audacious move will go through for a man who is earmarked as Alisson’s long-term replacement. 

The Anfield side are also considering a late swoop for Ademola Lookman due to possible exits in the forward line, but much of their intent is yet unclear with only a matter of days left to the close of the transfer window. 

How much progress Liverpool make this season seems to hinge on how well they can conduct their transfer business, but their most significant signings for this summer may already be employed by the club.  

The trio of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are entering the final year of their contracts and it would be a devastating blow to lose either of the club legends not to talk of all three. Liverpool are locked in discussions with each player over contract renewals and the conclusion of those conversations are set to determine Liverpool’s transfer activity for the next year. 

Liverpool and Arne Slot find themselves with all the tools to succeed and carry on the lofty standards that have been set in recent years. Thus, all the pressure is on the Head Coach to implement his style and keep the team competing for all the top honours in English and European football. 

On paper, the Merseysiders need a natural evolution from the previous playing style and they have a manager who is tactically astute and intelligent enough to see what is not working.

While Manchester City are in search of a fifth consecutive Premier League title and Arsenal are knocking ever closer following back-to-back runner-up finishes, Liverpool can gatecrash the title race with the help of some consistency.

There could well be a drop-off in performances compared to Klopp’s well-oiled machine, and Slot must be ready to manage the bumps when they arrive. Considering the belief shown in the current stars, the minimum expectation will be to maintain their previous heights.

Premier League rivals would be foolish to write Liverpool off and they will be desperate to shock many observers this term.  

Certainly, the role of underdogs is one the Merseyside faithful will be pleased to play.