Arne Slot vs Jurgen Klopp: How Liverpool title-winning squads compare | OneFootball

A teething period was expected when Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp in the Liverpool dugout. After all, how could a relatively inexperienced coach from Eredivisie replace Anfield's talismanic leader?

Well, those fears have been allayed during the Dutchman's debut season on Merseyside with Liverpool having scooped the Premier League title. He's joined an esteemed cohort of just four other foreign coaches to have finished top during their first season in the competition.

But Slot's success would not have been possible without the foundations put in place by his predecessor. Klopp, the only other Liverpool coach to have won the Premier League, forged an impressive arsenal during his time with the Reds and transformed the club's supporters from doubters into believers.

Comparing the two vastly different coaches and their journeys to Premier League glory is not straightforward, but it's a task we have undertaken regardless.

Squad depth

Many players have retained their place from Liverpool's 2019/20 triumph / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

You can't win the Premier League without an impressive ensemble, that much is clear. Both Liverpool's title-winning squads have been packed with superstars, with plenty of crossover between the rosters. In fact, eight players who made league appearances during the 2019/20 campaign - and Caoimhin Kelleher - remain in the current squad, including the bulk of the defensive unit and the irreplaceable Mohamed Salah.

Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane were integral to Liverpool's first Premier League title but they have since been replaced by Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa. Liverpool now have more variety and depth in the final third, even if they're not quite the attacking juggernaut they were with their fabled front three in the Klopp era.

Liverpool's midfield is certainly more talented in 2024/25, stacked with technicians as opposed to workhorses. There is no longer room for Jordan Henderson and James Milner figures - bar the lesser-spotted Wataru Endo, of course - with the class of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai coming to the fore instead.

The defence is almost identical - Ibrahima Konate has replaced Joel Matip - and Alisson still resides between the sticks. This spine of talent has been crucial in both title charges, although Liverpool's defenders offered stronger performances on an individual basis in 2019/20.

Overall, Liverpool's current squad is more technically proficient and boasts similar stamina and work rate out of possession. They now have more weapons at their disposal than they did five years ago, even if they are a less dominant force.

Style of play

Few can match Jurgen Klopp's energy / PAUL ELLIS/GettyImages

Liverpool were renowned for their high intensity approach under Klopp. The animated German demanded similar energy from his players on the pitch, which he received in abundance. They smothered their opponents, harrying defenders and midfielders into regular errors. When the well-oiled press was bypassed, an aggressive defensive line was on hand to stifle opposition forwards.

Their breathless approach worked wonders, with each cog functioning in perfect harmony within the wider machine. Opponents couldn't match their work rate or quality, neither of which let up across a staggering campaign.

But, as has been reflected upon frequently, Liverpool have adopted a more measured approach under Slot. The Dutchman is a fierce admirer of Pep Guardiola, something which has become increasingly evident as the season has wore on. The Reds still work tirelessly in and out of possession, setting traps all over the pitch, but control is now far more important.

Slot's side rarely blitz their opponents in quite the same manner but they are still capable of strangling them, albeit with possession and order rather than pure explosivity.

Key players

Mohamed Salah was integral to both teams / Catherine Ivill - AMA/GettyImages

Many of the crew Liverpool relied upon in 2019/20 have still been difference-makers this term. Alisson has continually provided crucial interventions. Van Dijk has been defiant in the heart of defence. Trent Alexander-Arnold has pulled the strings with his dazzling distribution. But it's Salah who has proven most integral to Liverpool's success under Slot.

The Egyptian has toppled countless records while producing figures which dwarf his 29 goal contributions during Liverpool's first title win - and has almost single-handedly dragged the Reds to the crown. Had it not been for his genius, the campaign could have been vastly different.

Of course, he had help in 2019/20. Mane and Firmino provided 42 goal contributions in the league collectively, taking weight off Salah's broad shoulders. Six other players produced four or more goals to chip in but it was more or less the forward triumvirate who were solely responsible for Liverpool's attacking output.

Liverpool's indefatigable trio at the top end of the pitch allowed them to be more conservative in midfield, using the likes of Henderson, Fabinho and Georginio Wijnaldum as shields for the back four. With Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the engine room, Slot's four-man backline has been offered less protection.

Strength of title challengers

Man City's struggles have twice opened the door for Liverpool / Carl Recine/GettyImages

Manchester City have been the dominant force in English football since Guardiola's arrival, but two underwhelming seasons for the Cityzens have opened the door for Liverpool success.

City were the team to beat in 2019/20 but Liverpool sauntered past Guardiola's fatigued superstars with little fuss. The Reds finished 18 points above their title foes and the defending champions, with third-placed Manchester United an astounding 33 points behind Klopp's men. Talk about domination.

Liverpool have taken advantage of City's underperformance this season, too, but they have had another challenger to overcome. On this occasion, Arsenal have been the side closest to them and while the Reds were long in the driving seat before wrapping up the title, the Gunners have been a constant presence in the back of their minds.

Admittedly, Arsenal, who have finished runners-up during the past two seasons, have been below their best this term, widening the gap between themselves and top spot even further. But Liverpool have only been able to beat what's in front of them and they have done that with aplomb.

Liverpool were stronger performers in 2019/20 / Pool/GettyImages

Liverpool were undoubtedly stronger under Klopp than they have been in Slot's debut term. They accumulated 99 points in 2019/20 and lost just three Premier League games - two of which came after the title had been wrapped up. They won 26 of their opening 27 matches and had all but clinched silverware by Christmas.

While Slot's side have been exceptional and still have matches to play, they have not been quite as dominant. Even if Liverpool win all their remaining fixtures, they can only manage 94 points, and their success has certainly been less emphatic this time around.

But that matters little. It's not how you win the title but the winning it that matters, with Liverpool having the added bonus of celebrating this season's triumph in front of home supporters - something they were unable to do during the coronavirus-hit 2019/20 campaign. That is a priceless feeling.