Despite their defeat to Nottingham Forest at Anfield last weekend, Arne Slot must be pleased with the way his start as Liverpool manager has unfolded.
In fact, Callum Hudson-Odoi’s brilliant finish was the first goal they had conceded in the Premier League, over three-and-a-half games into the 2024/25 season.
The fluidity with which he has settled into the dugout should not be lost on anyone, least of all those Liverpool fans who had become accustomed to the high-octane, high-energy game employed by Jurgen Klopp.
While Slot doesn’t appear to be as demonstrable as his predecessor, the quiet person shouldn’t be misjudged as it’s blindingly obvious that he takes his responsibilities so seriously.
As has already been seen with the action to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Dutchman is not worried about making decisions that will surely be unpopular.
No player’s position seems secure, as it should be at elite level, and what this means in practice is that any player who shows the right application at training and match performance levels will have the chance to impress.
Arne Slot impressed by Liverpool ace Ryan Gravenberch
Take Ryan Gravenberch as an example.
Used sparingly by Klopp, he has quickly become an important player in Slot’s Liverpool. So much so, that the manager can’t help but continue to praise him in the media.
??? Arne Slot on Gravenberch’s excellent performances: “Now you see a Ryan who is full of confidence.”
“That usually comes with good performances and trusting your teammates and knowing you can do whatever it takes at this level.” pic.twitter.com/gHCcAsOQmF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 21, 2024
? Arne Slot explains: “If I had been able to buy Martin Zubimendi, I might have been able to rotate a little more and the media would have been much happier!”.
“But there is no point talking about him, as he stayed at Real Sociedad, we are very happy with Gravenberch.” pic.twitter.com/njurhsTigr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 21, 2024
“Now you see it can be a Ryan who is full of confidence,” CaughtOffside columnist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said in the quote. X (formerly Twitter).
“That usually comes with good performances and trusting your teammates and knowing you can do whatever it takes at this level.
“(…) If I could have bought Martin Zubimendi, maybe I could have turned a little more and the media would have been much happier!
“But there is no point talking about him, as he stayed at Real Sociedad, we are very happy with Gravenberch.”
Top photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
