Arne Slot follows Jurgen Klopp suggestion as first Liverpool transfer window closes
In his first Liverpool transfer window, Arne Slot followed Jurgen Klopp’s suggestions. Arne Slot has adopted a transfer strategy akin to that of Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool’s summer transfer philosophy appears to have been “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” The team made the decision to postpone making any purchases until the last week of the transfer window because they didn’t want to feel compelled to cram new players into an already-established roster.
With somewhat less transfer responsibilities under his belt when he replaces Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot has been careful not to upset the apple cart. Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are regarded as the compass for player acquisition, whereas Slot, naturally, still has a great deal of influence.
Liverpool have run such a tight ship that only one newbie – Federico Chiesa – has been allowed into this season’s crew while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili will join next summer following the £29m agreement with Valencia. Meanwhile, Sunday marks Slot’s first big test on the field.
The Reds have failed to win at Manchester United in their past three visits but have the chance to go at least joint-top with a win while simultaneously tempering United to just three points from their opening three matches.
Slot has won and lost twice against old Eredivisie rival Erik ten Hag, formerly of Ajax, and so has an additional personal score to settle. His first summer at Anfield contrasts to that of his counterpart at Old Trafford.
The likes of £85m Antony, Tyrell Malacia – injured for more than a year – and Casemiro have evoked uninspiring emotions among United fans. Ten Hag brought in six players during his maiden transfer window, compared to the two – or in effect, one – brought in by Slot in his.
Ten Hag suggests he had a more difficult job when he first came in at United than Slot does at Anfield. But Liverpool are required to be astute with finances while United and other big six clubs flash the chequebook. It’s part of the reason why Slot was brought in; to do a lot with what he has got.
The Dutchman has had the task of trying to assess his squad as players returned in drips due to international competition. Of course, he is not the only debuting top-six boss to have this issue but his situation cannot be compared to that of Enzo Maresca’s spend-a-thon at Chelsea.
It’s clear Slot has taken a lead out of Klopp’s transfer book. Departed assistant Peter Krawietz gave insight into Klopp’s transfer ethos back in 2019, the summer between Liverpool’s Champions League triumph and historic Premier League title.
“If we don’t see how that guy will lift up our performances to the next level, Jurgen will never do it,” Krawietz said. “He won’t spend for the sake of spending.”
Slot described the club’s approach this summer as “opportunistic”, which played out in the move for Federico Chiesa, whose fee of just £12.5m will put Liverpool towards the lower end of the Premier League’s summer spending table.
For both incomings and outgoings, “if it’s the right opportunity for the player and for us as a club, we will act,” says Slot, underlining that square pegs will not be fitted into round holes.
This year’s tent very much houses the same player set-up as devised by Klopp, and Slot seems to have adhered to the German’s transfer philosophy too.
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