Following a superb return to Premier League action this weekend, the dust has now settled to reveal Liverpool as the team that remains at the top of the footballing tree. The international window was very long and painful, though this return to domestic action has been made up for with an impressive 2-1 victory, over visiting Chelsea. Aside from a shock defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, a perfect start has been undertaken by the red men in the aftermath of Jurgen Klopp's emotional departure. Many of the reds fanbase were sceptical when they were informed that Arne Slot would be the man to take over from the legendary German, however, the time there since has been a wonderful awakening to what the former Feyenoord manager is capable of, as he strives to set the performance bar to the heights that match the reputation of his illustrious football club.
Arne Slot on his yellow card pic.twitter.com/r2GtWN9UZe
- Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 20, 2024
What Would Have Been Accepted in Year One...? I am the eternal optimist that will always find ways of looking at the positives, especially when considering the Anfield giants. Once upon a time, I would have found a way to champion the appointment of Roy Hodgson, the signing of Joe Cole, as well as the choice to allow Pepijn Lijnders' control of training ground instruction. All those circumstances failed to produce the desired results and with age comes an ability to recognise a bad decision.
My initial impression when hearing that Klopp's replacement would be a product from the Eredivisie, was nothing short of surprise. I was fully invested in the thought of the Sporting Lisbon manager, Ruben Amorim, becoming the replacement boss, given his reputation as the highest rated young coach in European football. Once my thoughts realigned to the name of Arne Slot, I was immediately reminded that his own appointment would have been overseen by the new Liverpool CEO, Michael Edwards.
Some may have forgotten what an unbelievable Sporting Director he was and his ability to make brilliant off-pitch decisions, however, I was and remain fully invested in the choices undertaken by the Southampton born executive. Based upon what has been achieved to fully rebuild the coaching staff, the medical department, the recruitment team, as well as appointing both a Sporting Director, and Head Coach, I walked into this 2023/24 campaign with a believe that major silverware could be attained. Setting aside my extreme and overblown expectations, I was equally aware that the regeneration and next phase may only allow for a top four finish and some decent cup runs. After seeing (with amusement) what transpired after Sir Alex Ferguson, and Arsene Wenger, both departed Manchester United, and Arsenal, respectively, there had to be some degree of realism when moving away from the 57-year-old, Jurgen Klopp. If, for instance, this weekend had ended with the reds having lost a couple of games and drawn one or two more song the way, there probably would have been acceptance in the rebuild and the need for time.
The 46-year-old Head Coach of the Merseyside giants, is not one for mere acceptance and has set his sights on nothing short of pure success.
Chelsea (H) RB Leipzig (A - UCL) Arsenal (A) Brighton (A - LC) Brighton (H) Leverkusen (H - UCL) Aston Villa (H) Southampton (A) Real Madrid (H - UCL) Man City (H)
The start of a very difficult fixture period for Liverpool. Let's give it everything. pic.twitter.com/MICRG9tMlu
- Anfield Edition (@AnfieldEdition) October 20, 2024
Concerning last season runners up, Arsenal, they appear to have finally succumbed to both injuries and disciplinary problems, as they look to navigate their way through some difficult waters. Mikel Artel is undoubtedly a talented Head Coach, however, the PS700m spent since their last piece of silverware was attained, points to a limitation in their projected ceiling of success. Following the summer European Championships and the need to sell some important squad members, the imposed fatigue and required book balancing exercises at the Emirates may continue to cause issue in North London.
Then there is Liverpool FC, the club which no one gave a chance of Premier League glory to, sentiments which were echoed throughout the world of punditry. What has culminated there since, is a confident and ruthless personality being portrayed by the former AZ Alkmaar manager, Arne Slot. The determined operator is seemingly unwilling to forget that infamous loss against Nottingham Forest, thus fuelling an internal desire to win, whereas his squad of players seem far more coordinated and steadfast in their work. The failure to land the much-coveted summer target, Martin Zubimendi, has not altered the plans of the impressive tactician, who appears intent on making his team a near impossible element to overcome. With a little over two months until the next window of change is reopened, the rebuilding mishaps of the summer can soon be corrected, without any major problems arising in the interim. Ryan Gravenberch has flourished in his continuing starting role, the entire defence appears recalibrated to the new patterns of play, whilst the attacking group are now fighting to stay in the team.
Though it remains unlikely that a new Head Coach could win Liverpool their 20th English League crown in his first effort, every week and every positive result starts to build momentum for all involved. With caveats surrounding the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea, the continuing good performance of the new boss will only further increase the desire for ultimate success, something which can only be measured by more brilliant results.