Arne Slot, the new coach of Liverpool FC, has not only made changes to the team’s on-field routines but has also implemented a routine change that was previously used by Pep Guardiola at Barcelona and Manchester City. While change is common when a new coach arrives at a football club, Slot’s changes can be seen as developments or modifications rather than a complete overhaul of the team’s culture.
One routine that Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool followed was staying at a hotel in Liverpool the night before home matches. Initially, they stayed at the Hope Street Hotel before moving to the Titanic Hotel. However, Slot has decided not to follow this routine. Instead, Liverpool’s players now sleep at home the night before their home matches, including their recent victory against Brentford and the home friendly against Sevilla. The squad then meets on the morning of the match for their team meeting before taking the team bus to Anfield.
This change in routine seems to have been inspired by Pep Guardiola. Guardiola also implemented a similar routine during his time at Barcelona and Manchester City. He believed that players shouldn’t spend the day before work locked up in a hotel and that they should be able to rest and take care of themselves. Guardiola stated that he judges his players based on their work on the field, not their private lives, and that he’d rather have them at home where they can use common sense and take care of themselves.
Legendary Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez even described how letting the players stay at home the night before games had a liberating effect on the team. In Guillem Balague’s biography, “Pep Guardiola: Another Way Of Winning,” Xavi mentioned that getting rid of hotel meetings was one of the most important novelties implemented by Guardiola.
This change in routine can have several benefits for Liverpool. Firstly, it allows the players to spend more time with their families and have a good home life, which can contribute to their overall happiness and well-being. With a demanding schedule that includes European and international football, having quality time at home can be beneficial for the players’ mental and emotional state.
Additionally, staying at home allows the players to have a comfortable and familiar environment before a match. This can help them relax and feel more at ease, which can positively impact their performance on the field. It also eliminates the need for players to be cooped up in a hotel with limited activities, giving them the freedom to engage in their usual routines and hobbies.
Slot’s decision to adopt this routine change shows his consideration for the well-being and happiness of the players. By prioritizing their personal lives and providing a supportive environment, Slot aims to create a positive team culture that can contribute to their success on the field.
In conclusion, Arne Slot, the new coach of Liverpool FC, has implemented a routine change inspired by Pep Guardiola. Instead of staying at a hotel the night before home matches, Liverpool’s players now sleep at home and meet on the morning of the match. This change allows the players to have more time with their families and create a comfortable and familiar environment before a match. It also aligns with Guardiola’s philosophy of prioritizing players’ well-being and using common sense. By implementing this routine change, Slot aims to create a positive team culture and contribute to the players’ overall happiness and success on the field.