The Importance of a Strong Start for a New Liverpool Manager
Introduction:
For any manager at any club, first impressions matter. Arne Slot’s Liverpool may have shown encouraging signs throughout this pre-season, but the club’s new head coach will know that counts for little if he gets a poor result away to promoted Ipswich Town in the two sides’ Premier League opener. But just how important is it for a new manager to hit the ground running, and what can we learn from how his Premier League predecessors at Anfield began?
Changing the Style:
When a manager starts a new job, it is usually because things have been going wrong at the club. However, Slot does not have that problem at Liverpool. He has inherited a young and talented squad sprinkled with world-class players. While his style has similarities to Klopp’s in its intensity, it is more possession-based. Slot’s appointment will require less of an overhaul than previous managers, such as Klopp, Rodgers, and Evans, implemented when they took charge.
Revolutionizing Liverpool:
Liverpool has seen several managerial changes that brought about significant transformations. Roy Evans created an attacking team that played eye-catching football. Brendan Rodgers brought his tiki-taka style and won Swansea City promotion to the Premier League. Jurgen Klopp introduced gegenpressing, a system defined by intensity. Gerard Houllier revolutionized Liverpool through off-field changes, dragging the club into the 21st century. Rafa Benitez added Spanish flair to the side and focused on deep tactical thinking and player rotation.
Backed by the Club:
Liverpool is the only Premier League side that hasn’t made a first-team signing this summer, causing unrest among supporters. While Slot’s style suits the current squad, it is rare for a manager not to make any signings of their own. Previous managers like Benitez and Rodgers were allowed to bring in players who would help implement their preferred styles. Slot wanted to continue this trend by signing Martin Zubimendi as his new No. 6, but the midfielder’s change of heart scuppered those plans.
First Transfer Windows:
Liverpool’s previous managers made significant signings during their first transfer windows. Evans and Houllier managed the club before transfer windows were created, but they made notable signings during their first seasons. Houllier’s signing of Sami Hyypia proved to be inspired. Hodgson was hampered by ownership issues during his tenure, while Klopp’s first transfer window was underwhelming. However, his first summer saw substantial fees paid for Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum.
The First 10 Games:
Mid-season appointments have had a stronger start than summer appointments, with the exception of Evans. This suggests that the new-manager “bounce” holds true at Anfield and that those who try to instigate big changes need more time for their philosophy to take hold. Slot has not faced the same adversity as previous managers and will be looking to defy the trend of slow starts for new Liverpool managers.
Conclusion:
As Arne Slot prepares for his first Premier League game as Liverpool’s head coach, the importance of a strong start cannot be overstated. While he has inherited a talented squad, he must navigate the pressure of replacing Klopp’s aura and the expectations of a club that finished on 82 points last season. History suggests that flying starts are not guaranteed for new Liverpool managers, but Slot will be aiming to defy the trend and make a positive impact from the very beginning.