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Sir Kenny Dalglish makes Liverpool transfer plea after title win - 'They should give him'
Sir Kenny Dalglish makes Liverpool transfer plea after title win - 'They should give him'
Federico Chiesa silence speaks volumes as Liverpool near key decision - 'It's not a charity'
Federico Chiesa silence speaks volumes as Liverpool near key decision - 'It's not a charity'
'I have one major concern about Liverpool's transfer interest in Dean Huijsen'
As Liverpool' s plans for the summer transfer market begin to take shape, two names have continuously appeared in the rumors and media round-ups in recent weeks.
One, in Milos Kerkez, makes complete sense. Left-back has been a problem position this term, and strengthening in that area over the summer feels like a must. The Bournemouth defender certainly has the quality, is at an age where he'll only improve, and has already experienced playing weekly in the Premier League. The fact he's a friend of Dominik Szoboszlai doesn't hurt, either.
His defensive colleague Dean Huijsen is the second name that appears to keep recurring, but a possible summer move for the Spaniard should raise a tad more concern. On the surface, Huijsen's pursuit is logical; he ticks several of the same boxes as Kerkez and a set asking price makes his transfer more straightforward, should it be achieved.
On the other hand, targeting an elite-level center-back doesn't feel necessary. Adding depth in that area makes sense. Jarell Quansah clearly isn't a player Arne Slot trusts, and Joe Gomez 's injury record means he simply cannot be relied on.
That leaves just Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate as the Reds' center-back choices. The former has committed his future to the club, but Konate's long-term plans remain unknown. This summer, he will enter the final year of his current deal and attempts to pen an extension have proved unsuccessful so far.
He c ould leave for free in the summer of 2026, with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain already mooted as possible destinations. That's why Liverpool's interest in Huijsen is particularly intriguing. After all, the 20-year-old is a regular starter for a top-10 club - would he consider a summer switch to essentially become a long-term backup? That feels unlikely; he's not short of transfer suitors.
Huijsen is a player for the future but also the present. Reports have also indicated that playing regularly, particularly in the Champions League, will be a factor in Huijsen's decision this summer.
Huijsen's impressive form has seen him called up to the Spain squad this season.
(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
Slot could, of course, rotate his defensive options next season, but that's not an option coaches usually deploy with center-backs, a less energy-sapping position where consistency tends to result in better performances. Only last week Slot expressed his aversion to squad rotation.
"There's a lot of research done about the longer the team plays together, the better they start to play, or the more often they play together, the better they play as well," he said Slot. "That's why I am not a big fan of rotating the team every game by five, six, or seven positions."
Then there's the possibility that a move for Huijsen could see Liverpool utilize a three-at-the-back system next season. Again, that seems unlikely. Slot prefers a back four with two more traditional full-backs. Arsenal and Manchester City will sometimes select center-backs in the wide areas or ask defenders to push forward and operate as quasi-midfielders, but that's not a function Slot has tended to ask of his back four.
Konate's future remains uncertain.
(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
The exceptions have come when Liverpool has been trailing and in need of a goal, with Ryan Gravenberch providing the link between defense and midfield.
The performances of Van Dijk and Konate haven't given any cause for concern this season; it's difficult to imagine any summer signing dislodging them from the team. Other areas are a bigger priority: Right-back, left-back and striker being the obvious three.
It begs the question of why, if reports are to be believed, Huijsen's transfer is seen as essential. Liverpool fans may not like the answer.
Inside Arne Slot's first year at Liverpool as dressing room reaction to first meeting revealed
Inside Arne Slot's first year at Liverpool as dressing room reaction to first meeting revealed
Sir Alex Ferguson Liverpool nightmare could soon become a reality as Arne Slot handed new target
Sir Alex Ferguson Liverpool nightmare could soon become a reality as Arne Slot handed new target
LFC Globe
This article (Liverpool vs Tottenham - One Point Away: Liverpool Host Spurs With Title In Sight) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-tottenham-one-point-away-liverpool-host-spurs-with-title-in-sight/feed/ 0 Leicester vs Liverpool - Reds To Face Foxes For Easter Sunday Showdown https://lfcglobe.co.uk/leicester-vs-liverpool-reds-to-face-foxes-for-easter-sunday-showdown/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/leicester-vs-liverpool-reds-to-face-foxes-for-easter-sunday-showdown/#disqus_thread Sun, 20 Apr 2025 14:36:29 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105653 Liverpool are on the verge of history. They could wrap up their 20th League title with a win at King Power Stadium against Leicester City today, on Easter Sunday, and an Arsenal loss. In all, Liverpool need a combined six points over the final six matches to secure the title. With Virgil van Dijk and […]This article (Leicester vs Liverpool - Reds To Face Foxes For Easter Sunday Showdown) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/leicester-vs-liverpool-reds-to-face-foxes-for-easter-sunday-showdown/feed/ 0 Van Dijk Signs a Two Years Extension With the Reds https://lfcglobe.co.uk/van-dijk-signs-a-two-years-extension-with-the-reds/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/van-dijk-signs-a-two-years-extension-with-the-reds/#disqus_thread Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:29:56 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105649 Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has signed a two-year contract extension that will see him stay at Anfield until the end of the 2026-27 season. He joins Mohamed Salah in recent players who have extended their stay on Merseyside. “I'm very happy, very proud,” Van Dijk said. “There are so many emotions, obviously, that go […]This article (Van Dijk Signs a Two Years Extension With the Reds) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/van-dijk-signs-a-two-years-extension-with-the-reds/feed/ 0 Liverpool vs Newcastle - Liverpool To Face Magpies At Anfield https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-newcastle-liverpool-to-face-magpies-at-anfield/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-newcastle-liverpool-to-face-magpies-at-anfield/#disqus_thread Wed, 26 Feb 2025 20:58:22 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105624 After a big win at Manchester City over the weekend, Liverpool return to the friendly confines of Anfield to face the Magpies of Newcastle in a Premier League matchup. Newcastle are a strong side as they will face Liverpool again in the Carabao Cup Final and they currently sit 5th on the table with 44 […]This article (Liverpool vs Newcastle - Liverpool To Face Magpies At Anfield) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-newcastle-liverpool-to-face-magpies-at-anfield/feed/ 0 Liverpool Draw PSG In UCL Round Of 16 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-draw-psg-in-ucl-round-of-16/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-draw-psg-in-ucl-round-of-16/#disqus_thread Sun, 23 Feb 2025 19:16:02 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105618 Liverpool have drawn another European heavyweight in the Round of 16 in the Champions League. The Reds will face PSG who are the reigning French League 1 title holders. The first leg will be held on March 5th in Paris and Anfield will host the return fixture on March 11th. A Rare Meeting The two […]This article (Liverpool Draw PSG In UCL Round Of 16) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-draw-psg-in-ucl-round-of-16/feed/ 0 Man City vs Liverpool - Match Preview: Liverpool Face Colossal Clash With City https://lfcglobe.co.uk/man-city-vs-liverpool-match-preview-liverpool-face-colossal-clash-with-city/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/man-city-vs-liverpool-match-preview-liverpool-face-colossal-clash-with-city/#disqus_thread Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:38:52 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105615 Liverpool face a tough challenge when they travel to the Etihad to meet Erling Haaland and Manchester City. The Reds have been struggling a bit of late, so 3 points would go a long way to steadying the ship and continue pushing for an EPL title. Salah Vs. Haaland While there will be 22 players […]This article (Man City vs Liverpool - Match Preview: Liverpool Face Colossal Clash With City) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/man-city-vs-liverpool-match-preview-liverpool-face-colossal-clash-with-city/feed/ 0 Aston Villa vs Liverpool - Match Report: Missed Chances Force Reds To Settle For A Draw https://lfcglobe.co.uk/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-match-report-missed-chances-force-reds-to-settle-for-a-draw/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-match-report-missed-chances-force-reds-to-settle-for-a-draw/#disqus_thread Sun, 23 Feb 2025 15:22:55 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105612 Liverpool missed chances in both halves as they had to settle for a 2-2 draw at Villa Park vs. Aston Villa on February 19th. Mohamed Salah opened the game with a goal and Trent Alexander-Arnold levelled in the 61st minute after Aston Villa had taken a 2-1 lead just before halftime. First Half The Reds […]This article (Aston Villa vs Liverpool - Match Report: Missed Chances Force Reds To Settle For A Draw) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-match-report-missed-chances-force-reds-to-settle-for-a-draw/feed/ 0 Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Match Preview - Liverpool Hope To Steal 3 Points From Villains https://lfcglobe.co.uk/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-match-preview-liverpool-hope-to-steal-3-points-from-villains/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-match-preview-liverpool-hope-to-steal-3-points-from-villains/#disqus_thread Wed, 19 Feb 2025 17:36:01 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105605 Liverpool have a chance to go 10 points clear at the top of the table with a win at Aston Villa on Wednesday, February 19th. Liverpool are in good form away from Anfield as they have yet to lose a game on an away pitch in Premier League play this season. They are the only […]This article (Aston Villa vs Liverpool: Match Preview - Liverpool Hope To Steal 3 Points From Villains) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/aston-villa-vs-liverpool-match-preview-liverpool-hope-to-steal-3-points-from-villains/feed/ 0 Liverpool vs Bournemouth - Liverpool Face Tough Test At Bournemouth https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-bournemouth-liverpool-face-tough-test-at-bournemouth/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-bournemouth-liverpool-face-tough-test-at-bournemouth/#disqus_thread Sat, 01 Feb 2025 14:55:23 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105582 Liverpool open the month of February with a trip to Bournemouth in Premier League play on February 1st. The Reds are fresh off claiming the top spot in the Champions League and are hopeful of increasing their lead at the top of the EPL Table which currently stands at 6 points. Injury Update Liverpool have […]This article (Liverpool vs Bournemouth - Liverpool Face Tough Test At Bournemouth) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-vs-bournemouth-liverpool-face-tough-test-at-bournemouth/feed/ 0 Liverpool Stay Perfect In Champions League With 2-1 Win https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-stay-perfect-in-champions-league-with-2-1-win/ https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-stay-perfect-in-champions-league-with-2-1-win/#disqus_thread Wed, 22 Jan 2025 14:40:23 +0000 https://lfcglobe.co.uk/?p=105577 Liverpool remained perfect in Champions League play, making it 7 wins out of 7 matches. They stayed atop the group with one match left, with a 2-1 win over Lille on January 21. Mohamed Salah gave the Reds a lead and Harvey Elliott provided the game-winner in the 67th minute after Jonathan David had equalised […]This article (Liverpool Stay Perfect In Champions League With 2-1 Win) was originally published on LFC Globe. Follow us on Twitter for all the latest Liverpool FC news.
]]> https://lfcglobe.co.uk/liverpool-stay-perfect-in-champions-league-with-2-1-win/feed/ 0Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane denied Liverpool reunion after latest blow
Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane denied Liverpool reunion after latest blow
Real Sociedad makes Martin Zubimendi transfer admission after Liverpool and Arsenal interest
Real Sociedad's president, Jokin Aperribay, has opened up about Martin Zubimendi's future, acknowledging that the midfielder's decision will come in June after he turned down a move to Liverpool last summer. Despite the Reds being ready to meet his release clause, Zubimendi chose to stay with the La Liga side following last-ditch discussions.
Now, as the saga continues, Arsenal has entered the fray, confident it can tempt the Spanish international to the Premier League. Zubimendi's contract still includes a $68 million (£51 million) buyout clause, and no new terms have been agreed since he declined Liverpool's offer.
Aperribay hasn't ruled out the possibility of extending Zubimendi's stay at Sociedad, should the player wish it. Reflecting on the 26-year-old's previous rejection of Liverpool, Aperribay suggested that a summer exit is not a foregone conclusion.
Speaking to Radio Marca Donostia, Aperribay said: "We'll see what happens. All I ask of him is one last effort to qualify for Europe and whatever happens, will happen in June.
"There's no point in speculating now about whether he'll be there. He's had several opportunities to leave and he'll make the decision he wants, because he'll have more options."
"I don't remember our last conversation. When I talk to him, it's more about goals, pushing. There's one month left, and we're playing against opponents who can beat us, but we can also beat them all.
Martin Zubimendi in UEFA Nations League action for Spain.
(Image: Diego Souto/Getty Images)
"There are no easy or difficult matches. Martin is part of that. I don't know if it's difficult for him to stay. We haven't tried to raise the clause. Don't think contracts are negotiated like that. It's more a matter of willpower.
"If he wants to continue the conversation, it will last five minutes. I don't know if it's difficult."
Real Sociedad finds itself in the middle of an intense race, sitting 10th on the La Liga table. It is on 42 points and there are just five games remaining.
Sociedad is only two points adrift from eighth-placed Osasuna, who are holding onto the coveted Europa Conference League play-off round qualification spot. Celta Vigo is currently placed seventh, clinging to La Liga's second Europa League spot and standing two points ahead of Sociedad.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — LiverpoolZubimendi has been putting up solid numbers for his childhood club, racking up 43 appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and a pair of assists. Real Madrid has also been credited with an interest in him.
Liverpool.com says: As well as Ryan Gravenberch has done this season, the Reds midfielder has played a huge volume of minutes. It would be useful to have two options in that position who can share the role.
Zubimendi doesn't appear to be a target for this summer but Arne Slot hasn't trusted Wataru Endo so far. Liverpool would be taking a risk by playing Gravenberch as much again next season.
Liverpool 'already looking' to 'maximize' Premier League success as Arne Slot plots big summer
Liverpool's chief commercial officer, Ben Latty, has revealed that plans are already being put into place to "maximize" the value of club’s Premier League title triumph.
Fenway Sports Group (FSG), the Liverpool ownership group, runs the club in a sustainable manner. That means that revenues generated go back into the team, with the idea being to put as much quality on the pitch as possible.
This summer is expected to be a busy one for the Reds. Sporting director Richard Hughes, alongside Arne Slot, has now had a full campaign to assess the Liverpool roster and decide what the priorities should be.
A left-back and a number nine would appear to be logical places to start. Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have performed inconsistently, while Andy Robertson's showings have been at a lower level than at his peak.
Having spent little money so far in the Slot era, the resources should be there to make improvements to a team that is already leading the Premier League by 15 points with four games remaining. Liverpool only signed Federico Chiesa last summer.
"We’re already looking to the future and working out how we can best maximize this success [winning the Premier League] to continue our commercial growth and support further on-pitch success," Latty told the Financial Times.
(Image: Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
In addition to revenue from becoming Premier League champion and things like going far in the Champions League (with two extra European games this season increasing the prize money in that competition), Liverpool also has improved its operations off the field in recent years.
It will switch from Nike to Adidas this summer in terms of its kit manufacturer, but also has major deals with blue-chip companies including Google Pixel, and big brands like Carlsberg and Japan Airlines. Its revenues have steadily risen since FSG arrived, with the club in a healthy position to kick on again on and off the pitch.
The Reds are continuing to grow under FSG with the latest set of accounts showing overall revenue rose by £20M ($26M) to £614M ($795M) in 2023-24, and commercial income increased by £36M ($47M) to £308M ($399M).
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more Fanatics Official Sports Apparel — LiverpoolThe Reds have over 200M global followers across various social media platforms and registered almost 12BN views and 1.5BN fan engagements last season. That was the most of any Premier League club.
Last month, Liverpool confirmed a deal with Visit Maldives. "We’re very excited to welcome Visit Maldives into the Liverpool FC family as our official tourist destination partner," Latty said at the time. "Together we share a passion for creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together in meaningful ways."
But there was a substantial backlash to that deal from LGBT+ group Kop Outs. It made its "profound anger and disappointment" clear in a visceral statement about the deal they view as a blatant contradiction to Liverpool stance on equality and inclusion.
Liverpool.com says: The Reds are heading in the right direction on and off the pitch at the moment. Doing well in both departments is very much interlinked: the more success there is on the field, the more money is available to spend on playing talent.
Joyce on FSG, Transfers and What’s Next for Liverpool Under Slot
As Liverpool celebrate another title-winning campaign, focus has already turned to what comes next. In a revealing appearance on the Media Matters podcast for Anfield Index, The Times’ Paul Joyce shared insights from his recent article The Making of Champions, offering rare clarity on Fenway Sports Group (FSG), Liverpool’s transfer strategy, and how Arne Slot fits into it all.
Slot’s Appointment and FSG’s MethodMuch was made of FSG’s methodical approach to replacing Jürgen Klopp. But according to Joyce, the structure of the club has only become more refined. “One of the things that the move to the head coach role rather than the manager role has done,” Joyce said, “has been to empower a lot of people at Liverpool to feed into… the overall end product.”
That change has extended into performance, fitness, and recruitment processes. FSG’s faith in data and measured strategy remains central. During the manager search, Joyce explained, “They looked at three elements in terms of the recruitment process… One was a points-based model… another was a performance model… and the other was fitness.”
Arne Slot’s success at Feyenoord on all three metrics impressed Liverpool’s leadership, while his willingness to accept shared input made him the ideal choice. “He wasn’t a manager who came in and said, ‘No no no, I need to mould the team straight away, I need you to sign X, Y and Z,’” Joyce emphasised.
FSG and the Transfer Model: Evolution, Not RevolutionSlot’s ability to maximise the current squad without a major overhaul has underlined FSG’s transfer ethos. “The squad didn’t obviously change that much,” Joyce said. “He trusted Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards in the belief that he could get more out of these players.”
Despite that, Liverpool are expected to be active this summer, albeit with the same disciplined approach. “I don’t think Liverpool will now depart from the model that has got them here,” Joyce stated. “There’ll obviously be money to spend, but I’d be surprised if FSG say, ‘Right, we’re going to do things totally different now.’ Why would you?”
Instead, as Joyce explained, departures will dictate arrivals. “A lot of it will be dependent on who goes.” The futures of Caoimhín Kelleher and Harvey Elliott are yet to be decided, while defensive depth may be addressed depending on Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation. “I wouldn’t have thought Liverpool would want that one to drag on,” Joyce said of the French defender, who has one year left on his current deal.
Photo: IMAGO
Joyce also mentioned that Liverpool have continued their strong record in selling players well. “Last summer under Richard Hughes… Sepp van den Bergs and Fabio Carvalhos—we got good money for them.”
Trust in Slot and a Leaner SquadJoyce revealed Slot’s preference for a tight-knit core: “He effectively trusted 13 or 14 players this season.” While this has worked due to improved fitness—“muscle injuries are probably down”—it poses a risk if not backed by depth.
Still, Liverpool are unlikely to abandon their principles. “Liverpool don’t just buy for the sake of it,” Joyce said. “They don’t just buy players to make a squad of 18 players.” Slot’s ability to evolve players and the trust in internal improvement remains a cornerstone of FSG’s strategy.
Strategic Growth, Not OverspendingAt a time when rivals may throw money at the market, Liverpool’s approach under FSG remains deliberate. As Joyce concluded, “Transfers and stuff like that… it’s going to be an important period for sales as well.”
That balancing act—backing Slot while maintaining sustainability—defines the FSG era. As Liverpool move into their next chapter under Arne Slot, the approach may look familiar, but the execution is sharper than ever.
Liverpool Could ‘Dominate for Years’ After Winning the Premier League Title – Claims Former Man City Star
After 35 years of waiting, Liverpool finally got to celebrate winning the league title in front of fans. The 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday secured the Reds’ second Premier League title in five years and their 20th league title – matching Manchester United’s total.
Arne Slot became the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, doing it in his debut season after replacing the iconic Jurgen Klopp last summer.
Former Man City defender Richard Dunne spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and gave plenty of credit to Liverpool for their historic campaign…
Photo: IMAGO
Liverpool Have Been ‘By Far the Best Team in the League’
“Sunday was a perfect afternoon for Liverpool,” began Dunne, “They performed brilliantly as they have all season long and they undoubtedly deserve the league title.”
“They’ve been by far the best team in the Premier League,” continued Dunne, “Huge congratulations to them and the strength and depth that they should have means that they can be confident ahead of next season.”
The performance against Tottenham Hotspur was the perfect performance to symbolise Liverpool’s success this season. In fact, the Reds have now scored 15 goals against the same Tottenham Hotspur side across all competitions this season alone.
Winning league titles aren’t easy regardless, but to do so with four games remaining and a 15-point lead at the top of the table speaks volumes of the brilliance of Slot’s side this season.
Photo: IMAGO
“They Could Dominate for Years!” – Warns Dunne
“Add a few players with real quality to this group of players and they could dominate for years,” warned Dunne.
“It feels like it could take a few years for Manchester City to get back to their best, whilst Arsenal just don’t seem to be able to get anything over the line,” said Dunne, “Liverpool have the quality, the experience and the know-how to win the Premier League. They’re favourites for next season without a doubt.”
According to reports, Liverpool are already working on deals to improve their squad this summer. As Darwin Nunez looks increasingly likely to leave this summer, the Reds will sign a new striker this summer with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike at the top of that list.
Photo: IMAGO
Defensive reinforcements are also expected, with AFC Bournemouth duo Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez both highly rated by sporting director Richard Hughes. A right-back could also be signed with Trent Alexander-Arnold still expected to join Real Madrid this summer.
Either way, there will be unwavering support behind Arne Slot as he heads into his second season in charge of the Reds with the aim of winning a record-breaking 21st league title.
Liverpool’s Evolution Under Slot: Fitness, Focus and Leadership
The Anfield Index podcast Media Matters recently featured a special insight into Liverpool’s title-winning campaign with The Times’ Paul Joyce, who spoke at length to Dave Davis about his deep-dive piece, The Making of Champions. The conversation shed light on what made this team click under Arne Slot and why evolution—not revolution—will again be central to Liverpool’s plans next season.
Slot’s Impact from Day OneWhen Arne Slot took over following Jürgen Klopp’s departure, many feared a difficult transition. Joyce revealed that expectation was flipped quickly: “Straight away the buy-in was absolute from these players.” Established stars like Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah “came back into training… like we’re going to have to impress this man.”
Slot’s early attention to detail resonated, from sharper rondos to individual player improvement sessions. According to Joyce, “It was described to me that players of the stature of Virgil and Mo… felt they had to prove themselves again.” This attitude created immediate momentum that lasted across the season.
Rather than overhaul the squad, Slot made “the evolution from Klopp to Slot no bigger than it needed to be,” trusting Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes while challenging his players. “He wasn’t a manager who came in and said ‘I need to mould the team straight away,’” Joyce said.
How Liverpool Evolved on and off the PitchJoyce revealed subtle but influential tweaks at the AXA Training Centre—some inspired by a visit to Roma. New communal spaces and improved communication channels between coaching staff and players helped create an inclusive footballing environment. “It fosters this sort of camaraderie,” Joyce noted, explaining how small changes added “one or two percent” improvements that proved vital.
Mo Salah’s role, both on and off the pitch, was highlighted as one of the season’s big stories. “He’s developed into a leader at Liverpool,” said Joyce. “He’s become less obsessed with goals and happy to be a creator.” There was even a mutual understanding with Slot, where Salah was excused from defensive duties—but expected to deliver elite output in return.
Photo IMAGO
Van Dijk, meanwhile, was handed more tactical responsibility. “Slot was straight on to Virgil… saying you need to take more responsibility in our play,” Joyce shared. He now initiates attacks, breaking lines from the back, and opponents like Everton even devised systems to counteract him—clear proof of his growing influence under Slot.
Fitness, Trust and the Need to Be More RuthlessSlot’s selection of Ruben Peeters, his long-time fitness coach, was deliberate and impactful. Liverpool’s reduction in muscle injuries and sustained squad availability this season owes much to their refined approach to training. “Smaller pitches, lower intensity during the week, then ramping up closer to matchday,” Joyce detailed.
Yet, Liverpool still need to evolve again next season. “Slot has repeatedly mentioned we don’t make games easy for ourselves,” Joyce noted, pointing to just “10 or 11 games” won by two goals or more. This lack of ruthlessness has been acknowledged by Slot and will be a key area for improvement.
Joyce also touched on squad depth: “He effectively trusted 13 or 14 players this season,” suggesting that Liverpool may need additions, especially depending on departures. The futures of Ibrahima Konaté, Caoimhín Kelleher, and even Harvey Elliott could affect transfer priorities.
Leadership and Looking AheadThe club’s internal culture remains a foundation. Joyce praised the humility and open-mindedness of Slot: “He will take advice on board… it’s not all about him.” That humility could prove vital as Liverpool begin their push for title number 21.
The final line of Joyce’s article summed it up best: “Liverpool’s charge to title number 20 has been impressive – yet the pursuit of the next one is already underway.”
Liverpool learn Hugo Ekitike transfer truth as 'realistic' Eintracht Frankfurt stance emerges
Liverpool learn Hugo Ekitike transfer truth as 'realistic' Eintracht Frankfurt stance emerges
Arsenal were NEVER in the title ‘race’ – before OR after Bukayo Saka’s injury
It was described as a two-horse race for the Premier League title, but Arsenal never really came close to Liverpool in the battle for the trophy.
No one predicted Arne Slot‘s side to win the title in his first season at Anfield, but the narrative quickly turned to it being a weak league once the Reds had built up a head of steam.
Typical, right?
Arsenal were the ‘closest’ contenders throughout the season, but despite all the talk from north London, they only ever came within four points from matchday eight, back in mid-October.
How close were Arsenal in reality?
Liverpool officially clinched the title after 34 games, having sat at the top of the table since November 2 thanks to a 26-game unbeaten run.
Slot’s side dropped 20 points before being crowned champions while the Gunners dropped a mammoth 35, a tally that is not conducive to a title battle as we well know.
And as you can see from the graph above, Arsenal were only above Liverpool in the table on matchday four after the Reds lost to Nottingham Forest at Anfield. Their lead was a single point.
From that point on, Liverpool started to open up a lead on the Gunners that they never came close to chasing down, with the margin steadily growing from one point, to four, seven, nine, 10, 12, 13 and now 15.
From matchday 10, Liverpool never relinquished their place at the top – and, in fact, when the season concludes Slot’s men will have occupied first place for 32 out of the 38 matchdays.
[embedded content]
[embedded content]Mikel Arteta declared he would give up on the title race “over my dead body” in mid-February, but that comment preceded a run of 14 points from a possible 24, while the Reds took 18 from 21.
And while Arteta and the Arsenal fans may point to their injuries, namely Bukayo Saka’s long-term hamstring blow, as the main factor in their demise, it is clear the race was never on to begin with.
The lead only grew and in reality Arteta’s men never mustered a consistent title challenge to Slot’s side, who defied expectations to deliver the club’s 20th league title.
Ultimately, there was never truly a title race as Liverpool set standards that the Gunners could not match in their fifth full season under Arteta.
Debunking ‘weak’ league narrative
We don’t always have to listen to the nonsense others spout when Liverpool have won anything of meaning, but we can’t let the ‘weak’ narrative slide.
I recently analysed the league’s competitiveness since its formation using the C5 index of competitive balance, which sees a perfectly competitive league take a value of 100 – thus as the index rises the competitive balance decreases.
• READ MORE: LFC title 10th MOST competitive Premier League season since 2000
My findings were that the least competitive season on record is 2017/18, when City won with 100 points, while the most competitive remains the Premier League‘s first season in 1992/93.
As for the current campaign, after 33 games it ranked as the 17th-most competitive campaign in the competition’s history and the 10th most competitive since 2000 – hardly ‘weak’ now, is it?
So not only did Liverpool ensure Arsenal never got a sniff, they did so against competition who were anything but weak.
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