Welcome to Liverpool, Arne Slot: your in-tray is already overflowing

Jurgen Klopp offered one last example of his skills as a motivator. He has proven time and time again that he can galvanize 11 people. He also had the best part of the 60 thousand in the palm of his hand, as he demonstrated in the Anfield farewell. Making them sing the name of his successor, Arne Slotconstituted a seal of approval for Liverpoolnext coach, an attempt to soften his welcome with popularity. For some, it may have echoed Sir Alex Ferguson’s words to the fans at Old Trafford 11 years ago: “Your role now is to support our new manager.” David Moyes lasted 10 months at Manchester United.

It’s not always easy to follow an iconic manager; Unai Emery, doing an excellent job at Aston Villa, failed to follow Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. Slot has Klopp’s blessing and has prepared for life on Merseyside by joining a version of You’ll never Walk Alone at a Feyenoord farewell party. The most pertinent part of his new work, however, does not concern the soundtrack.

Klopp’s words on the Anfield pitch were a further indication of his theory that Liverpool 2.0 will not end with his departure. “A review is not necessary,” he said. Speaking before their farewell win against Wolves, he said: “We all agreed four weeks ago that it was a super team.” He demonstrated loyalty to his players; Slot doesn’t need to demonstrate this, but part of Klopp’s skill set was getting footballers to deliver more for him than for anyone else. This becomes a challenge for whoever replaces him.

Not just for Slot, who will have less power than Klopp wielded, as an off-field team is being formed that will have immediate significance. Fenway Sports’ new football CEO Michael Edwards, Liverpool’s new director of football Richard Hughes and the returning Julian Ward will make up many of the decision-makers. Three big calls beckon, with captain, vice-captain and top scorer all without a contract in 2025.

Virgil van Dijk, who praised Slot and said he wants to stay at Anfield, has not yet received an offer. “Nothing has changed and there is nothing on the table either,” he said on Sunday. “No change in my situation.” He will turn 34 just days after his current contract expires: FSG tend to be reluctant to hand out long, lucrative contracts to players in their thirties, but the Dutchman has had an excellent season. There are reasons to renew.

The presumption is that Trent Alexander-Arnold could be a Liverpool survivor: the next captain, a local who has shown no interest in fleeing elsewhere. However, the age of a unique talent – ​​25 years old – makes him the highest priority. Perhaps, though, Mohamed Salah could still pay the bigger fee if there is anything resembling a repeat of Saudi Arabia’s £150m bid from last summer. At 32, with his performances in 2024 perhaps lending themselves to evidence of decline, he presents the biggest dilemma. It might make financial sense to sell, but it would mean Slot’s years would begin with a huge football loss, the kind that, if it went wrong, could feel like a fatal blow.

Meanwhile, the departures of Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara have already been confirmed. Perhaps the emergence of Jarell Quansah – further proof of how youth development is part of Klopp’s legacy – will make Liverpool decide they don’t need a centre-back, as they already have their new Matip. If a like-for-like replacement for the oft-injured Thiago is not chosen, there is all the more reason to look for a defensive midfielder: just as Wataru Endo did in the winter, it looks like an incomplete part of the rebuilding job.

Furthermore, it will be instructive what Slot thinks of some of the curiosities of Klopp’s squad. The German was excellent at juggling them, but Darwin Nunez sensed an £85m conundrum that ultimately defeated him. Slot may consider the Uruguayan as first choice, or choose Cody Gakpo, or Diogo Jota, or may want a new signing. As a midfielder, Ryan Gravenberch showed talent but delivered very little in his debut season. Dominik Szoboszlai was excellent in the first few months, less convincing thereafter, but potentially a high-class gift from Klopp for the future. Curtis Jones had a brilliant three months in the middle of the campaign, Harvey Elliott a fantastic finish. A new coach could reshape the midfield hierarchy.

Elsewhere, there is a theory that right-back Lutsharel Geertruida is the most likely player to follow Feyenoord’s slot: if he joins, it could indicate more appearances in Alexander-Arnold’s midfield. If Slot is unlikely to forge the bonds that Klopp had with both the support and the players, the German’s skillful human management was the reason why, for example, Caoimhin Kelleher decided on life as a secondary goalkeeper. Klopp leaves behind a large squad with several talented youngsters who may want more opportunities. Their sheer volume could complicate Slot’s task.

The hardest part, of course, is simply following Klopp, the great personality who had a colossal impact at Anfield. But when one era ends, another will begin. Klopp made Anfield sing Slot’s name. It depends on him how long they will continue.