The three things Arne Slot has changed from Jurgen Klopp to get Liverpool firing on all cylinders

Arne Slot has had the kind of start to life as Liverpool boss that many didn’t envision when Jürgen Klopp decided it was time for a new face and a new voice to take over the club. Slot is very different from the charismatic German, but equally effective.

The Reds find themselves in a similar position to when they won the league title in 2019—five points clear at the top of the table, a team looking to overcome the doubts many had when news of Klopp's departure first emerged.

But how has he done it? Here's a look at the changes Slot has made and how he’s managed to get this Liverpool team firing on all cylinders.

First, establishing control

One of the things people loved about Jürgen Klopp was how relentless his teams were. When Klopp’s sides went at an opponent, they threw everything at them, looking to overwhelm and destroy. Slot, however, takes a different approach—his first priority is control. He ensures that when his team goes after the opposition, they do so in a way that minimizes risk. They don’t just attack for the sake of it; they take control of the game.

With players like Mohamed Salah no longer as young as he once was, this approach makes a lot of sense. It also seems that the new squad has embraced this tactical shift, with many players already buying into Slot's philosophy, as reflected in their performances.

Less exciting, but equally effective

One of the things Liverpool fans loved about Klopp was the "mentality monsters" ethos—his teams were not only driven to win but to entertain, giving fans something to talk about long after the final whistle. Slot is more reserved in that sense. He’s a disciple of positional football and isn't afraid to apply the brakes when necessary. But the results speak for themselves: he's won 15 of his first 17 games in charge. While his approach might not be as expansive as Klopp's, it is just as effective, and it’s giving Liverpool and the city plenty to be optimistic about.

Salah is now a creator and scorer

Another key change is Mohamed Salah’s evolving role. While still as potent a scorer as ever, Salah is now also taking on more of a creative role. Against Aston Villa, he assisted the first goal and then scored one of his own later in the game.

In the height of Klopp’s reign, Salah was primarily focused on scoring, benefiting from the service of players like Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané. Now, however, Salah is using his experience and the same principles to help the younger players. He’s become a mentor to the likes of Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo, encouraging them to keep progressing.

It takes a strong manager to get experienced players to buy into new ideas, and Slot has managed to do this in a remarkably short period of time. He deserves credit for making what seems complex look so simple.