Arne Slot’s debut season was an incredible achievement, especially trying to fill the shoes of his predecessor.
When Jurgen Klopp left after nine years on Merseyside, who revolutionised the club and put them back on their perch as one of the best in the world, questions about who and how the German could be replaced cropped up.
The answer to that question turned out to be Slot, who joined from Feyenoord, and seemed a surprise choice given some of the rumoured names on offer.
His arrival turned sceptics into believers in quick time as he stormed his way to the top of the Premier League table with a brilliant set of players to make Liverpool the champions of England once again.
While this achievement has been lauded by many because of how he has approached management, this season, after a poor three-game run, it has been called into question.
Sol Campbell believes Arne Slot’s Premier League win was ‘lucky’ because of the inherited team
After their third loss to Chelsea, the Reds found themselves under mounting criticism. Slot even had some criticism for inheriting the team from Klopp, which people believe made it easier to win the league.
While it obviously helped, there is much more than just players that affect how a coach performs, and the personality of the 47-year-old was another driving force for success.
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However, Sol Campbell is one of those who also believes that the manager was fortunate to have such a great team at his disposal when compared to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Speaking to The Times, the former Arsenal defender spoke about the Premier League title and why Slot won his first one before Arteta.
Campbell said: “Some people are lucky. Arne Slot inherited a fantastic side and won the league. He hasn’t changed much. He’s lucky.
“A new manager, good bounce, players responded. Arteta had to get rid of some players, the deadwood.”
Sol Campbell’s comments are disrespectful to Arne Slot
As mentioned before, it is understandable why this conclusion has been reached by many, but it seems disrespectful for Campbell to claim Slot has been ‘lucky’.
Yes, the group of players he had were great; however, we have seen at many clubs that transitioning to a new manager after a long-term coach leaves is not easy.
Arsenal are a great example. After Arsene Wenger left, they had trouble with Unai Emery, who did not bring the success that was expected.
Manchester United are another who still have not found a league title-winning manager after multiple appointments.
The point is, it is more than the team, it is about culture, character, and being a clever manager who understands the game, which is exactly what Slot is.
While others struggled in their transition season, Slot has thrived, and even with this blip, he will continue to lead this team to success.
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