Did Klopp matter less than we thought? ESPN questions the role of managers after Slot’s stunning title win.
FULL STORY:
In a provocative deep dive, ESPN’s Ryan O’Hanlon explores whether Liverpool’s Premier League triumph under Arne Slot — achieved in his debut season — proves that managers may be less influential than commonly believed. The article revisits Liverpool’s first Premier League win under Jürgen Klopp during the pandemic-hit 2019-20 season and contrasts it with the 2024-25 title, clinched early under Slot, despite expert predictions of decline after Klopp’s departure.
Slot, a product of the data-savvy AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord setups, was praised for his clarity, tactical communication, and ability to manage player fitness — a notable contrast to Klopp’s emotionally-driven, high-intensity style. Slot reintegrated Liverpool’s operations into a collaborative structure and reduced injuries through a more measured approach, allowing key players like Salah and Van Dijk to stay available all season.
While historical figures like Cruyff, Guardiola, and Ancelotti suggest that managers only marginally influence results — with players ultimately deciding matches — the piece concedes that outliers like Klopp and Guardiola do exist. Still, Slot’s instant success raises the question: was Klopp’s departure overstated, or is Slot just that good?
The answer remains elusive, but Liverpool’s transformation under Slot is undeniable — and perhaps even a challenge to the cult of managerial genius.
