Anfield Index
·16 gennaio 2025
Anfield Index
·16 gennaio 2025
Arne Slot has been an absolute hit since his arrival in the Premier League, currently guiding Liverpool to the top of both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League table. The Dutchman has rightly received a lot of credit for his success at so far at Anfield, with some of course suggesting he is good value for the Manager of the Season award.
Former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood spoke exclusively to Anfield Index and threw Slot’s name into the conversation…
“Liverpool fans will rightly say that Slot deserves it,” began Sherwood, “I mean, there’s not much more that he could’ve done so far really.” Sherwood is right too, other than the odd frustrating result against the likes of Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, Liverpool have pretty much been flawless under Slot.
Photo: IMAGO
“But he had the tools to succeed and it wasn’t broke when he came,” continued Sherwood. Slot was, of course, fortunate to inherit such a talented and professional squad from Jurgen Klopp, but the subtle touches that the Dutchman has brought in have been clear to see and incredibly effective.
“His demeanour has been really good and he hasn’t tried to be anyone that he isn’t,” pointed out Sherwood, “Equally, it’s easy to stay nice and calm when you’re winning every week.” It’s a harsh point to make, with Slot earning the right to be happy with his side’s performances through runs of brilliant and well-earned victories. However, we have seen in the past how quickly the media can flip the narrative on a manager once things go wrong, but I think Slot will have too much quality as a manager to be dragged into that.
Photo: IMAGO
“He’s got a nasty streak in him too and I mean that in the nicest way possible,” continued Sherwood, “He is very clever with his words and he has exactly what you need.” Slot has received a lot of praise for the way he has handled himself in the media, and rightly so. That nasty streak is also something that is hugely important, especially at a club like Liverpool. All top managers have that ‘nasty streak’.
“For me, Nuno [Espirito Santo] is the manager of the season,” responded Sherwood, “You have to give it to him because no one expected them to be where they are.”
“If you’re going to push me for just one, it would be him,” continued Sherwood, “But if Liverpool end up lifting the Premier League title, then I’d have to tip my hat to Arne Slot.”
Photo: IMAGO
It’s completely fair to put Nuno into the conversation for manager of the season, and Liverpool will know why more than anyone. Nottingham Forest have managed to take four points from a possible six against the league-leaders, including a historic win at Anfield.
With Forest currently sitting third in the Premier League table, it is an absolutely brilliant season. However, winning the Premier League title in your first season, for a side that has won it just once in the past 35 years, would eclipse that in my opinion. Let’s see in May…