Tony Evans Column: Slot Leads Liverpool Into a New Phase

This is an abridged version; the full article is available on our ‘It Was Always… Liverpool’ Substack page:

This is a great time to be a Liverpool fan. After more than 60 years of going to matches, I can say that with confidence. It is not just about winning, it is about the context. Competing with a Manchester City team that seemed almost untouchable made every achievement even more meaningful.

Jurgen Klopp will be remembered as one of Liverpool’s greats. He brought passion, identity and belief. But in time, we may look back and feel he deserved more silverware, especially given the scale of the challenge. City, under Pep Guardiola, were close to unbeatable. That Klopp overcame them, even once, was a massive feat. The significance of that win will only grow with time.

Slot Hits the Ground Running

A year ago, we were unsure if Arne Slot could follow Klopp’s lead. Now we know he can, and more. While Klopp was eventually worn down by the relentless pressure, Guardiola has also started to crack. Slot arrived at the perfect time and took full advantage.

He is calm, pragmatic and tactically sharp. He inherited a strong squad and brought the best out of them. What excites fans most is what he will do with a team built in his own image. Already, he has earned more say in recruitment than he likely expected.

Power Shifts Behind the Scenes

Liverpool are changing off the pitch too. Klopp gave Michael Edwards a clear framework to work within. Slot’s approach is more flexible. He wants the best players the club can afford and backs himself to improve them. Richard Hughes, the new sporting director, seems energised by that mindset.

Money is available, as shown by early moves in the market. Frimpong is done, and Wirtz and Kerkez are strongly expected to follow. Liverpool are no longer bargain-hunting. Fenway Sports Group want to pull clear of City and now have the means to do so.

Letting Go Without Regret

Fans need to move on from players who leave. Federico Chiesa’s chant, especially the line referencing Juventus, is in poor taste. He has underperformed and feels forced into cult status. Let him go.

As for others who have moved on, they made their choice. Loyalty in football is rare. Steven Gerrard, seen by many as a one-club man, was shown the door quietly. If a player wants to leave, show them the way out and save the emotion for match day.