Liverpool celebrates championship win under coach Arne Slot

In a moment of triumph, Liverpool manager Arne Slot celebrated his team’s victory and expressed gratitude towards Jürgen Klopp. Liverpool has secured its 20th English football championship, and Slot acknowledged that this achievement is also a testament to his predecessor’s contributions. „He left me a team capable of winning the trophy,“ Slot stated on the pitch at Anfield, as fans and players alike rejoiced.

In a show of appreciation, the championship-winning coach sang loudly, „Jürgen Klopp – nana nanana,“ thanking Klopp for having sung his name a year prior. „I believe this is something no coach has ever done before,“ Slot beamed. „It definitely helped me.“

Slot exceeds expectations

Nearly a year ago, the Dutchman was introduced as Klopp’s successor. Many doubted whether Slot could fill the significant shoes left by the popular and successful German coach, who had spent eight and a half years at Anfield. Although Slot made a favorable impression on the media and fans from the outset, few anticipated such a smooth transition.

With four matches remaining in the Premier League season, the Reds clinched the title with a resounding 5-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur. This accomplishment is particularly impressive given the fierce competition in the league. Many experts had predicted that Arsenal, after two second-place finishes, would take the title, while others believed Manchester City could secure a fifth consecutive championship.

Hardly anyone, including Slot himself, viewed Liverpool as a title contender. „When the season began, we would have been satisfied with a top-four finish,“ said the modest 46-year-old. „But I believe that’s not entirely fair to the players, as they are much better — and they have shown that this season.“

Agreement between Slot and top scorer Salah

The squad remained largely unchanged from the previous season, with the only notable addition being Federico Chiesa, who struggled with injuries and made just four league appearances. The primary shift under Slot was a move away from Klopp’s chaotic „heavy-metal football“ towards a more controlled, yet still intense, playing style emphasizing ball possession.

„I don’t have to defend as much now. His tactics are different,“ confirmed Mohamed Salah, the standout forward who scored 28 goals and played a significant role in the championship win, attributing his success to an agreement with Slot. „I told him: ‚If you relieve me defensively, I will deliver offensively,‘ and I’m glad I did. He agreed, and the numbers show it now.“

Liverpool must improve post-championship

At the start of the year, it seemed Liverpool could contend for four trophies. However, they faced disappointment after being eliminated from the FA Cup by second-division Plymouth, losing in the League Cup final to Newcastle United, and exiting the Champions League in a penalty shootout against Paris Saint-Germain.

Having benefited this Premier League season from Manchester City’s unusual struggles and Arsenal’s frequent draws, Liverpool must enhance their performance next season to defend their title successfully.

On the transfer market, the club will need to be active. Contracts for scoring leader Salah and key player Virgil van Dijk have been extended. However, reports suggest that Liverpool will lose another key contributor, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is likely to join Real Madrid, a departure that will be painful for the Reds.

A long-awaited championship celebration

For now, after winning their 20th championship title, which ties Liverpool with arch-rivals Manchester United, celebrations are in order. Slot granted his team a day off on Monday. The official championship celebration is set for May 25, following the final home match when Liverpool will receive the Premier League trophy. This moment has been eagerly awaited by fans for 35 years.

When Klopp’s team won the league in 2020 after a 30-year drought, the stadium was empty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, preventing an appropriate celebration of the long-awaited triumph.

Thus, the second championship in five years feels even more special for Liverpool supporters and players. „It’s incredible to win this with our fans,“ Salah exclaimed, who celebrated his goal for a 4-1 lead with a selfie in front of the stands. „This is 100% better than the last time.“