Exclusive: Former Liverpool Star Hails ‘Brilliant’ Arne Slot, Florian Wirtz Signing and More | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Sensational Debut Season: Dean Saunders’ Exclusive Thoughts

Arne Slot’s first season at Liverpool could hardly have gone better. Arriving with the enormous challenge of following Jurgen Klopp, Slot not only met expectations but exceeded them, guiding Liverpool to a Premier League title in his debut campaign. Speaking exclusively to Anfield Index, Dean Saunders shared his views on Slot’s success and why Liverpool fans should be excited for the season ahead.

Winning Over the Dressing Room

“Arne Slot has done brilliantly,” Saunders said. “He must have been so tempted to do things his own way, but he’s managed not to change too much. That’s the clever part of it for me because the players will have missed Jurgen Klopp.”

Saunders highlights how important it was for Slot to win the trust of key players like Mohamed Salah early on. Slot’s ability to blend his own ideas carefully with the Klopp foundations showed both humility and intelligence. Saunders added, “If Slot had started doing things differently to what made Klopp successful, and the team had lost a couple of games, the players would have been asking ‘who is this bloke?’” That early man-management was critical in creating a unified dressing room that could fight for the title.

Photo: IMAGO

Navigating Challenges in Europe

Liverpool’s Champions League exit at the hands of eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain was tough to take. But Saunders sees no shame in that. “Liverpool had a great start, they won a lot of games. They were knocked out of the Champions League, but Paris Saint-Germain are a brilliant side – everyone can see how good they are.”

The experience in Europe will likely fuel the team next season, offering valuable lessons that Slot and his coaching staff can build on.

Exciting Summer Signings

Looking ahead, Saunders was full of praise for Liverpool’s transfer business. “Frimpong is a different player to Trent. He’s good going forward, a great athlete and you’re going to see him galloping up and down that right flank.”

Replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold is no small task, but Jeremie Frimpong brings energy and dynamism. On the left, Milos Kerkez arrives to compete with, not replace, Andy Robertson. Saunders emphasised, “I wouldn’t sell Andy Robertson. He’s 31, a proven left-back and I wouldn’t write him off. Kerkez can work with Robertson and learn how to play for Liverpool.”

The most exciting addition, though, is Florian Wirtz. Saunders described him as “a cross between Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Philippe Coutinho.” That type of creativity and unpredictability could be the key to unlocking deep defensive blocks next season.

X: @LFC

Liverpool’s title chances

Despite strong competition, Saunders is optimistic. “Arsenal have made some good signings and Manchester City look as if they will improve, but I still make Liverpool favourites.”

With Slot’s smart leadership, a settled squad and exciting new arrivals, Liverpool have every reason to believe they can defend their Premier League crown. The Anfield faithful will be hoping that this is just the start of a new era of success under Slot.