From high-press to controlled dominance – The Klopp vs Slot showdown: What’s changed at Liverpool in 2024?
By Eng’ Okemwa
When Arne Slot took over from Jürgen Klopp, many doubted whether he could replicate the German’s fiery success at Liverpool. Klopp’s tenure was a thrilling ride, full of high pressing, attacking pace, and breathtaking moments.
Fast forward to 2025, and Liverpool, now under Slot, is once again a force to be reckoned with. But this time, the approach is different. Instead of an all-out assault on the opposition, Slot’s Liverpool is measured, controlled, and still incredibly effective.
As the Reds sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League after 19 matches, while having a match in hand, it’s clear that while some things are the same, others have changed dramatically. Let’s dive into how Arne Slot has redefined Liverpool’s approach and what sets this team apart from Klopp’s legendary side.
1. Klopp’s swashbuckling energy vs. slot’s calculated control
Under Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool’s philosophy was all about relentless pressure. The team was high-paced, and the strategy was to overwhelm opponents with rapid counterattacks and constant pressing. The Reds scored goals in bunches, with players like Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Roberto Firmino leading the charge.
However, under Arne Slot, we see a stark shift in approach. While Liverpool still boasts attacking firepower, Slot’s strategy is more deliberate and controlled. The team no longer operates at full throttle all the time. Instead, once they score, they often sit back, control the tempo of the match, and invite the opponent to come to them.
This tactical change has led to remarkable results. In their first 11 games of the season, Slot’s Liverpool have scored 21 goals and conceded only 6, compared to Klopp’s 2019-20 side, which scored 25 goals and conceded 9 after the same number of matches. Despite fewer goals, Slot’s team has been more defensively solid and has shown maturity in handling different types of matches.
2. How Slot has fine-tuned Liverpool’s defense
If there’s one area where Slot’s influence has been most noticeable, it’s defense. Klopp’s teams were known for their attacking brilliance but often left gaps at the back, leading to conceding too many goals in high-stakes matches. Slot has addressed this by instilling a greater emphasis on defensive discipline.
The combination of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté in the heart of defense has provided Liverpool with a more robust backbone. Alongside them, midfielders like Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch help break up attacks before they can threaten the defense, offering the kind of control that was sometimes lacking under Klopp.
The numbers back this up: Slot’s side has faced fewer shots per game (8 compared to Klopp’s 11) and have a passing accuracy of 88%, slightly higher than the 86% achieved under Klopp. These figures reflect a team that’s not just about attack but also focused on keeping opponents at bay, something that has been crucial in their early-season success.
3. Key players: A blend of old and new
While Klopp’s Liverpool thrived on dynamic attacking play, Slot’s system revolves around balance. Mohamed Salah, now 32, is not the explosive force he once was, but he’s still crucial to Liverpool’s attack.
His ability to create goals, as seen in his assist for Darwin Núñez’s opener against Aston Villa in Match Week 11, remains invaluable. Salah’s experience and composure have helped Slot’s Liverpool remain dangerous, despite the lack of the same blistering pace from previous seasons.
Newer players like Luis Díaz have become key figures in Slot’s more controlled style. Díaz’s work rate and creativity in transition have made him a perfect fit for Slot’s tactical setup, and his partnership with Salah has allowed Liverpool to stay potent on the counterattack.
But perhaps the most significant change has come from the midfield. With players like Mac Allister, Szoboszlai and Gravenberch, Slot’s Liverpool is more balanced.
The midfield trio not only controls possession but also ensures the team is not caught in transition, a flaw that marred Klopp’s Liverpool at times. This change has helped Slot’s side dictate play from the center of the pitch, unlike Klopp’s Liverpool, which often imposed its will through the final third.
The road ahead: Can slot maintain the momentum?
While Slot’s Liverpool has had a strong start to the season, the road ahead is challenging. With matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, and Everton on the horizon, the next few fixtures will test whether Slot’s more cautious, controlled approach can withstand the rigors of a Premier League title challenge.
Though Liverpool leads the league for now, the true test will be maintaining this level of performance throughout the season. The coming matches will be pivotal, especially as rivals like Manchester City are sure to improve. However, Slot’s ability to adapt and keep the team focused gives Liverpool a strong chance to stay competitive.
Arne Slot’s Liverpool may not be as exhilarating as Klopp’s explosive side, but it’s proving to be just as effective, if not more so in certain aspects. The balance between a solid defense and efficient attack is paying off, and with the team sitting at the top of the league, it’s clear Slot’s methods are working.
As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see if Liverpool can continue this controlled dominance and challenge for the title. With this more measured approach, Slot’s team could be the ones to dethrone Manchester City and reclaim the Premier League crown.
