Liverpool have left themselves open to plenty of criticism this season, but Arne Slot deserves credit for the things he does well.
In stark contrast to last season, Slot has been under fire from Liverpool fans as they struggle to find the same levels as in his debut campaign. The scrutiny is more than warranted, but we must try to find the positives.
One such example is with how Slot manages his players, especially the youngsters, doing so in a way that protects them from the kind of negativity that can ruin an emerging star’s confidence.
No Rio… Is this the strongest XI Slot can put out? 🤔
Arne Slot doesn’t open Liverpool players up to criticism
It’s easy to focus on the negatives when the results aren’t coming, but we all held the Dutchman in very high regard last season. Something he was great at — and still is now — concerns discussing his players.
Unlike many Premier League managers, Slot never singles out players by name to criticise them, nor does he allow the media to find narratives to spin in his press conference responses.
A good example was from Monday’s pre-PSG press conference, where he was asked about the importance of Florian Wirtz playing well in this upcoming clash given his pricetag.
He responded: “We didn’t add Wirtz to the team that played PSG last season. We bought him to be successful in the future, which could be the short-term or the mid to long-term future.
“I’m convinced maybe tomorrow, maybe next season, he will have special moments here at Anfield, like Hugo [Ekitike], Milos [Kerkez], Jeremie [Frimpong] and we’re bringing another in in [Jeremy] Jacquet. Tomorrow is the first great opportunity for him or the others. But we didn’t bring him in for this single game.”
Rather than play into the narrative that Wirtz has to step up, he reframes the conversation around all of Liverpool’s signings. It might seem a small thing, but it’s a consistent behaviour where he refuses to single out any one player.
You see it again in how Slot talks about Rio Ngumoha. He is extremely conscious of how pressure can build on wonderkids, and he has always looked to temper expectations and keep the 17-year-old grounded.
Even when Mohamed Salah called out Slot publicly before Christmas, he refused to bite back.
It’s the same approach Jurgen Klopp took, and he had a fantastic relationship with the players. I don’t buy this story that Slot has lost the dressing room. Liverpool have struggled for sure, but the manager that won a league title last season can’t be vilified so quickly.
Whether he remains at Liverpool long-term could depend on what happens in the coming weeks, and if the decision is made to let him go, it wouldn’t be unjustifiable.
Rate Arne Slot’s second season as Liverpool head coach
Can anyone make a serious argument for higher than a C? 😶
That being said, you can critique aspects of a manager’s work without discrediting the things he does well.
Liverpool’s new signings have been protected from the kind of ridicule that often comes with large fees and lacklustre performances. He deserves credit for that.
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