Liverpool's Premier League Title Chances: Arne Slot's Essential Strategies

What Does Arne Slot Need to Do at Liverpool in the 2024/25 Season?

The Arne Slot era at Liverpool has begun, and expectations are high for the Dutch manager as he takes charge for his debut season in the Premier League. Following Jurgen Klopp's successful eight-year reign, which ended with a trophy and Champions League qualification, Slot has the foundation to build upon. But what steps does he need to take to challenge for the Premier League crown this season?

Start Strong Against Premier League Rivals

Last season, Liverpool pushed their title ambition to the latter stages, ending with a third-place finish and the Carabao Cup. However, the team will face formidable opponents this season, including Manchester City and Arsenal. Slot's ability to generate early momentum is crucial, especially with a favorable fixture list that includes six winnable matches in their first seven games.

• **Key Matches**: The away game against Manchester United on September 1 will be an exciting test. Additionally, Liverpool must gain points before facing high-stakes matches against Chelsea and Arsenal in October.

Win the Key Head-to-Head Matches

Last season, Liverpool managed to remain undefeated against City and secured a draw against Arsenal at home. However, victories in these essential fixtures will be critical if Liverpool is to contest for the title. Their last win over Arsenal in the league was in March 2022, and against City, it’s since October 2022. The October match against Arsenal will serve as a significant opportunity for Slot to establish credibility early.

Secure Key Player Contracts

To maintain a title challenge, it is vital for Slot to ensure that key figures in the squad, such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, remain committed to the club. Each player is vital to the team's success and is approaching the end of their contracts. Ensuring these stars feel confident in Slot's vision for the club is paramount to retaining them.

Address the Striking Issues

One significant concern for Liverpool last season was their finishing. Darwin Nunez struggled to convert chances efficiently, having one of the lowest big-chance conversion rates last season. Slot needs to work on utilizing Liverpool's attacking resources better and find ways to improve their performance in front of goal. The team had the highest Expected Goals (xG) total yet underperformed, finishing with fewer goals than anticipated.

Sign a Defensive Midfielder

Despite Liverpool's potential, addressing the defensive midfield area seems crucial. Previous attempts with Wataru Endo and Alexis Mac Allister did not yield the desired results. Slot may need to bring in a specialized holding midfielder and utilize Mac Allister in a more advanced role to fortify the team’s backbone and protect the defense better.

Engage Liverpool Fans

Lastly, one of Slot’s most significant challenges will be to engage and unite the fans. He must create a connection that builds enthusiasm and trust in his management, similar to what Klopp achieved. Establishing significant signings, contract renewals, and a strong start to the season would be instrumental in rallying the fan base behind him.

The Road Ahead: Important Dates

The Premier League season will commence on the weekend of August 16, 2024. Other key dates include the Community Shield on August 10 and the FA Cup final on May 17, 2025. Fans are also eagerly awaiting the Champions League final on May 31 and the Europa League final on May 21.

With a clear plan and strategic decisions, Arne Slot can build on Klopp’s legacy and steer Liverpool back to title contention this season. The focus will be on tactical improvement, player stability, and fan engagement to secure the future successes of the club.