Liverpool’s recent return to form has stalled, yet Arne Slot’s unruffled leadership gives one close observer confidence that the club can recover.
Dutch analyst Marcel van der Kraan, who has known Slot for years, says the manager’s steady temperament is the team’s best asset as they navigate a difficult spell that included a 3-0 defeat by Manchester City and five losses in six Premier League matches.
The squad’s lack of rhythm has been blamed in part on a huge summer rebuild, reports put the overhaul near £450 million, leaving players still trying to gel. Van der Kraan notes that despite the turbulence, Slot’s composure is unchanged: he watches interviews and touchline behaviour closely and finds no sign of panic.
That self-belief, he argues, mirrors the confidence he once saw in Johan Cruyff and now in Pep Guardiola, suggesting Slot will accept the slump as a temporary phase rather than a reason to abandon his approach.
Slot had previously transitioned into the Premier League with remarkable consistency, overseeing a title-winning season with only one league defeat before April.
He managed that success with minimal transfer outlay, around £10m and by handling sensitive contract issues involving senior players such as Mo Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
This season began promisingly with five straight league victories, though several were secured by late goals and papered over deeper faults. A run of four successive league losses was briefly arrested by wins over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, but the decisive loss to City has renewed the doubts of fans and the media.
Still, van der Kraan believes these rough patches are familiar terrain for elite coaches and that Slot’s philosophy and calm will see Liverpool regain stability.
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