Liverpool supporters got their first glimpse of Arne Slot at Anfield on Sunday, as the Dutch coach led his team to a 4-1 win.
The game, which came before a 0-0 behind closed doors draw with Las Palmas, was the culmination of a promising pre-season for Slot.
The new head coach has overseen statement wins over Arsenal and Man United, while also leading Liverpool to victory against Real Betis.
Resounding as it was, though, the win over Sevilla underlined that fans could be in for an exciting season at Anfield with Slot at the helm.
Nevertheless, pundit Richard Keys thinks that things could soon fall a little flat, with the 45-year-old poised to upset his new supporters.
Richard Keys makes Arne Slot prediction
In amongst the crowd at Anfield on Sunday, it was clear to this writer that Liverpool fans are enamoured by the style of play Slot is building.
Slightly more possession based than under Jurgen Klopp, the Reds are still quick with the ball and keen to get it forward quickly where possible.
Despite this, Keys thinks that fans will soon become bored of a passing game and will long for the return of Klopp’s ‘heavy metal’ style.
Taking to his blog – richardajkeys.com – the presenter claims that despite what he calls ‘a pretty good start,’ Slot is running the risk of upsetting the Liverpool faithful.
READ MORE: Where Opta have predicted Liverpool to finish in their first Premier League season under Arne Slot
“Liverpool are interesting,” notes Keys. “Slot appears to have made a pretty good start, but I’m not sure his style of play will go down well with the Anfield crowd.
“He’s another one obsessed with passing teams to death. That’s a style in total contrast to Klopp’s,” he adds.
“Liverpool were a great watch under Klopp. Slot likes football played very differently.
“If he wins a few games early on he’ll get away with it, but if he starts losing he’ll be in trouble. Liverpool should be top four.”
Does Richard Keys have a point?
We wouldn’t like to stick our necks out and say it outright, but we’re not completely sure Keys has actually watched Liverpool under Slot just yet.
Anyone who has would likely see that the Reds have not been ‘passing teams to death’ at all.
It is also obvious that the style of play is far from being ‘in total contrast’ to what Klopp employed during his own time with the Reds.
Instead, there have simply been a few minor positional tweaks. Liverpool still look to hit teams on the counter and hurt them with incisive passes through the lines.
Once the real stuff starts at the weekend, maybe Keys will begin to change his tune. But we haven’t heard anyone complaining so far, in fact, Liverpool have been just as exciting to watch as ever.
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