Over the years, Liverpool have often been a place where fans look for a glimpse into the future based on past achievements. This season is no different, with the Reds leading the Premier League but still leaving doubts about their stability in the remaining stages.
Liverpool’s history is one of patience with managers. From Bill Shankly, who took three seasons to win his first major trophy, to Jurgen Klopp, who delivered the club’s first league title in 30 years, the Reds have always believed in the long-term.
However, things seem to be changing under new manager Arne Slot. In just five months in charge, the Dutchman has led Liverpool to the top of the Premier League and the Champions League. If he can maintain his current form, Slot could join the rare breed of managers like Joe Fagan and Kenny Dalglish who have won the title in their first season in charge.
There are reasons to be concerned about Liverpool’s next phase, though. In the 2015-16 season, Klopp’s Anfield side were top of the table in November but ended up finishing fourth, facing stiff competition from the likes of Chelsea and Leicester City, as well as pressure to improve their squad in the transfer window.
However, there is a huge sense that Liverpool’s season has been different. Last season’s two leaders, Man City and Arsenal, have struggled with injuries and inconsistent form. Meanwhile, the Reds have looked more solid thanks to a balance between attack and defence, along with huge improvements in individual players.
The Liverpool that Arne Slot took over is no longer the team that needed rebuilding under Jurgen Klopp. The current squad has depth and quality, and the backroom problems have been significantly resolved thanks to the coordination between departments under the management of Director of Sport Richard Hughes.
The Dutchman has not let the pressure get to him. Instead, he has emphasized organization and balance, allowing his team to not only control the game but also create explosive moments when needed. This is especially important as Liverpool prepare for a challenging run of fixtures against strong opponents such as Man City, Newcastle, Real Madrid and Everton.
Currently, although Man City is facing instability, Pep Guardiola's team will be able to quickly regain stability and break away in the championship race. However, it is not without basis for Liverpool when data from Opta shows that the "Red Brigade" has a 58.3% chance of winning the silver cup, far exceeding the 38% of The Citizens.
With such a rich history and a huge fan base, Liverpool shouldn’t be scared off by being considered title favourites, but should instead see this as an opportunity to prove themselves under Arne Slot, who is writing a new chapter at the Merseyside club.
The coming weeks will be a real test of Liverpool’s ambitions, but if Slot and his players can keep up their good form, there’s no reason why they can’t dream of a great season. This time, the Kop aren’t just looking to the past, they’re ready to embrace the future.
