Liverpool Football Club is facing a challenging summer as they prepare for the new season under their new head coach, Arne Slot. The club has experienced significant upheaval since Jurgen Klopp’s departure, with key figures in the coaching staff and behind the scenes leaving their roles. This has left many departments at the AXA Training Centre in a state of transition and uncertainty.
One of the first challenges that Slot will face is the absence of several first-team players who are participating in the Euros and Copa America. With 14 players involved in these tournaments, their delayed return to training leaves little time for Slot to familiarize himself with his squad and implement his tactical instructions. Additionally, the limited number of friendlies scheduled for pre-season further complicates matters, as most of Slot’s first-team players will not be available for the first few matches.
Another obstacle for Slot is the lack of confirmed support staff. Currently, only three members have been announced, including assistant head coach Sipke Hulshoff, lead performance coach Ruben Peeters, and goalkeeper coach Fabian Otte. However, concerns have been raised about Otte’s availability due to his involvement with the United States at Copa America. The departures of John Achterberg and Jack Robinson have also left gaps in the coaching staff, including the need for a specialist set-piece coach.
The club has been actively advertising vacancies on LinkedIn, including positions for a new strength and conditioning coach, first-team physio, performance insights lead, and player care administrator. These roles are crucial for the smooth functioning of the team and highlight the significant changes taking place behind the scenes at Liverpool. It is essential for the club to fill these positions with qualified candidates to ensure a successful transition under Slot’s leadership.
Slot’s first interview with club media showcased his readiness for the challenge and his understanding of the changes occurring. However, he will face additional complexities during the summer. Liverpool’s pre-season preparations involve a tour of the United States, spanning multiple cities and including media and commercial commitments. This disrupts the preferred training camp setup and adds further pressure on Slot to manage a changing squad dynamic while dealing with different weather conditions.
The combination of missing players, vacant staff positions, limited game-time, and the lack of time to work with the entire group before the start of the Premier League season creates a challenging scenario for Slot. A slow start to the season could increase pressure on him, but there is likely to be leniency considering the circumstances. As Klopp previously mentioned, the mood surrounding the team will ultimately decide how the early stages of Slot’s tenure are perceived.
Liverpool has had ample time to prepare for the transition, but many uncertainties remain. The club must carefully navigate these challenges to ensure a smooth start under their new head coach. It remains to be seen how much will change between the start of pre-season and Slot’s first official game in charge at Portman Road.