This season was meant to be one of transition for Liverpool, but even the club’s most hopeful supporters couldn’t have predicted that it would lead straight to Premier League glory.
By defeating Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, Liverpool powered its way to a record-tying 20th English league title, drawing level with Manchester United as the most successful club in English football history. And with four games still to play, Liverpool claimed the title in commanding fashion.
The season began under a cloud of uncertainty. Jurgen Klopp, the German mastermind behind Liverpool’s recent success, left the club after eight years of triumphs. Klopp’s high-octane “gegenpressing” style of play had kept fans on the edge of their seats, delivering fast-paced, thrilling football. Under his leadership, Liverpool secured their first English league title in 30 years in 2020 and won the prestigious UEFA Champions League in 2019.
However, it wasn’t just Klopp’s tactical brilliance that endeared him to Liverpool supporters. His deep connection with the community, his charm during press conferences, and his famous player hugs made him a beloved figure at Anfield, almost like a father to the club. His departure at the end of the 2024 season left fans anxious, wondering what the future would hold.
Enter Arne Slot, the rising Dutch manager chosen to succeed Klopp. Slot had made a name for himself in the Netherlands, guiding Feyenoord to a Dutch championship, but stepping into a new league with a higher level of competition meant that success was anything but certain.
In his inaugural press conference as Liverpool’s manager in July 2024, Slot recognized the immense challenge of following in the footsteps of a legend, but he remained optimistic about the task ahead.
“These are big shoes to fill,” Slot remarked. “But you can also see it as inheriting a squad with a winning culture. We have a strong squad, and as a manager, you want to be at a club with great players and the chance to win something.”
And win they did, with no player more crucial to their success than Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s lethal right winger. Known as the “Egyptian King,” Salah continued to deliver goal after goal, finishing the season as the Premier League’s top scorer with 28 goals in 34 matches.
But Salah’s impact wasn’t limited to scoring. He also dominated the assist charts, leading the league with 18 assists, proving himself as a complete player in Liverpool’s triumphant season.
Unlike Mohamed Salah, who has been Liverpool’s standout player since his Premier League arrival in 2017, other squad members like Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konaté, and Cody Gakpo have all found their best form under Slot after struggling to reach their potential under Klopp.
Slot’s ability to unlock the best from his players was key to Liverpool’s success. At the heart of this improvement was a reinvention of the team’s playing style.
Under Klopp, Liverpool became known for their chaotic, high-pressing counterattacks—exciting, but often leaving them vulnerable defensively. Slot, however, has reined in that chaos.
While Merseyside may no longer see as many high-scoring thrillers, Slot’s more possession-focused approach has resulted in fewer goals conceded and more consistent victories. In Klopp’s final season, Liverpool kept just 10 clean sheets in the Premier League. This season, under Slot, they’ve already recorded 14, the most in the league.
Though their methods differ, one core value of Liverpool Football Club has remained unchanged throughout the transition: a commitment to developing youth talent.
Klopp nurtured young stars like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, and Harvey Elliott, and Slot is continuing that tradition by giving opportunities to youngsters such as Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley, allowing them to make their mark.
“That’s very important for every club, but especially for this one,” Slot said in January. “It’s great to see young players having an impact on our team and games. It brings a lot of good energy to the building when academy players do well.”
Liverpool’s academy has produced legendary players over the years, including Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, and Jamie Carragher. Slot has maintained this commitment to youth development while delivering silverware.
While Slot’s achievements are impressive, it’s important to note that Liverpool’s traditional rivals have had disappointing seasons. Their primary rival in recent years, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, struggled early on after losing Rodri, their midfield anchor. City had previously won four consecutive titles, an unprecedented streak.
Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, was a strong contender for the title earlier in the season, but injuries and inconsistent form derailed their challenge.
Meanwhile, Manchester United, Liverpool’s most historic rival, finds itself languishing in the lower half of the table, sitting 14th. Although this season’s title ties Liverpool and United with 20 league titles each, the momentum, squad depth, and managerial success suggest that Liverpool is much closer to a 21st title than Manchester United.
