Report: How Slot’s Liverpool Tactics Differ from Klopp’s | OneFootball

Report: Slot’s Style vs Klopp’s Rock ‘n’ Roll at Liverpool

Arne Slot has stepped into the Liverpool hot seat and, remarkably, achieved something Jurgen Klopp only managed once in eight full Premier League seasons: winning the first three league games without conceding a goal. With Klopp’s iconic reign as manager marked by a Champions League and Premier League triumph, Slot has faced the daunting challenge of filling the shoes of a beloved figure. However, early signs show that Liverpool may have gained something new under Slot’s guidance—calm, control, and defensive resilience.

BBC pundit Chris Sutton captured the difference perfectly: “They were great to watch under Jurgen Klopp, but there seems to be greater control [under Slot].”

Slot’s Tactical Evolution

The biggest question surrounding Slot’s appointment was how his playing style would differ from Klopp’s famed “rock ‘n’ roll football.” While Klopp’s high-octane pressing game became synonymous with Liverpool’s success, Slot has introduced a more measured approach. Slot’s Liverpool appears less frantic, more patient, and less prone to defensive lapses.

Photo: @LFC

Under Klopp, Liverpool were relentless in their pressing, aiming to win the ball high up the pitch and launch rapid counter-attacks. However, Slot has adopted a more pragmatic system, focusing on control and solidity. The Dutchman favours a 4-2-3-1 formation, which allows for two defensive midfielders—Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister—to shield the back four, while Dominik Szoboszlai is granted the freedom to operate in a more advanced role. In contrast, Klopp often deployed a 4-3-3, with a more aggressive press.

This shift is particularly evident in how Liverpool have been using the ball. Under Slot, the team has a more deliberate build-up, with a noticeable increase in passing in their own half. In fact, 11% of their touches have come inside their penalty area, compared to just 6% last season under Klopp. It’s a sign that Slot values possession and control over the frenetic energy that defined Klopp’s tenure.

The Players Slot In

Although Slot inherited most of Klopp’s squad, he has made subtle changes in personnel. Liverpool’s only significant summer signing was Federico Chiesa from Juventus, but he is yet to make his debut. Joel Matip has departed, and a number of fringe players have moved on. Fans were left frustrated by the club’s failure to land a defensive midfielder—Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi was heavily linked—but Slot has shown faith in Gravenberch to fill the role. Despite only starting 12 games last season, Gravenberch has been impressive, proving his adaptability in the deeper position.

Photo: IMAGO

Diogo Jota has also been Slot’s preferred choice over Darwin Nunez up front. The Portuguese forward’s movement and link-up play have been crucial to the team’s new style, while Nunez—who started more games last season—has found himself on the bench.

As with any transition, it’s the tactical tweaks that truly define Slot’s reign so far. One of the few personnel changes has been Ibrahima Konate replacing Jarrell Quansah at half-time during the opening game against Ipswich, and Konate has retained his place ever since, indicating Slot’s desire for more experienced defenders at the heart of his defence.

Comparing Slot to Klopp

A glance at the numbers offers some interesting insights into how Slot’s Liverpool compares to Klopp’s. The Reds have won their opening three games by an aggregate scoreline of 7-0, mirroring the start Klopp made in 2018-19. That season, Liverpool remained unbeaten for 20 games and finished second with 97 points.

Photo: IMAGO

However, while the goals scored per game under both managers are identical (2.3), Slot’s side has shown a greater focus on control. Their passing accuracy stands at 88%, compared to 86% under Klopp. This emphasis on precision, coupled with a more patient build-up, has seen Liverpool reduce the number of shots they face—down to 8 per game from 11. In contrast, Klopp’s team had more possession (61% vs 57%), more shots per game (21 vs 16), and completed more forward passes and direct attacks.

Despite a smaller data set, these numbers suggest that Slot has addressed some of Liverpool’s defensive frailties. Last season, the Reds conceded 41 league goals, a stat Slot will be determined to improve upon. Slot’s Liverpool might not possess the thrilling chaos of Klopp’s tenure, but they appear to be a more measured and defensively sound unit.

Observations from Anfield

It hasn’t gone unnoticed by those close to Liverpool. Ian Kennedy, of BBC Radio Merseyside, sees a more disciplined side under Slot: “Klopp’s teams had no problems scoring goals and winning games, but had a tendency to concede too. This season the team are making sure they have players back in numbers if they lose possession and are not caught in transition.”

Slot’s approach, while still including the press, seems more calculated. As BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty put it: “Slot is doing it his way without trying to be Klopp. Liverpool look a bit more controlled under Slot, as opposed to the thrilling, but occasionally chaotic, approach under Klopp.”

The early signs are positive, but the challenge will be whether Slot can sustain this level of performance across the marathon of a Premier League season.

Salah’s Perspective on Slot’s System

For the players, this new style has required some adjustments, but Mohamed Salah—Liverpool’s talisman under Klopp—has adapted well. Speaking before Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Manchester United, Salah noted the tactical evolution: “It’s quite different to before. Now we are trying to control the ball all the time. Before it wasn’t really the number one thing, because with Jurgen, most of the time we tried to counter-attack or counter-press. We’re still doing that, but also when you have the ball you have more time to keep the ball and just try to move the ball around.”

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s comments reflect the balance that Slot has been able to strike: maintaining Liverpool’s identity as an aggressive pressing side, while instilling a greater degree of control and composure.

Can Slot Build on Klopp’s Legacy?

Slot has brought a breath of fresh air to Liverpool. His quieter, more measured approach contrasts with Klopp’s larger-than-life personality and high-energy football. While it’s early days, there’s cautious optimism around Anfield. Slot has shown that he’s not afraid to make subtle tactical changes, and so far, his methods are paying off. Liverpool look like a team with renewed purpose and discipline.

Time will tell if Slot can deliver the same success Klopp achieved, but for now, Liverpool seem to be heading in the right direction—calmer, stronger, and more in control.