The Football Faithful
·7 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·7 October 2024
Arne Slot could not have envisaged a more perfect start to his Liverpool tenure. Despite the shadow of Jurgen Klopp looming over the Dutchman, he has handled the transition period admirably to date.
Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend was their ninth in 10 fixtures across all competitions, with a home defeat to Nottingham Forest in September the sole setback of the Slot regime.
Diogo Jota’s early goal earned the three points at Palace and confirmed Slot’s start as the best of any Liverpool manager.
His nine wins from 10 games has eclipsed the previous best of eight victories held by Billy Connell and William Edward Barclay. Liverpool’s most decorated manager, Bob Paisley, won seven of his opening 10 games, while Klopp claimed just six victories.
The seamless transition from Klopp to Slot has eased the anxiety in the Liverpool fanbase, while impressive wins at Manchester United and AC Milan have shown signs of what could be in store.
However, Liverpool now face a fixture list full of challenges in the lead-up to Christmas. Tougher tests are looming on the horizon after October’s international break, in a period that will represent the real test of Slot’s side’s credentials.
Most anticipated a drop-off from Liverpool this season, though the Reds head into the break top of the Premier League table and with maximum points in the Champions League.
If the Merseysiders can continue this form up until Christmas, it will confirm their status as genuine challengers for the big prizes.
Some fixture dates subject to change