Comparisons between Slot and Klopppublished at 15:05 Greenwich Mean Time 11 November
Phil McNulty Q&A
Simon, London: Hi Phil. Is Arne Slot showing how hugely over-rated Jurgen Klopp was? Klopp was always full of excuses, such as early kick-offs, but in reality he just wasn't able to get the most out of a very strong squad whereas Slot has got the same group firing straight away.
Phil: Hello, Simon. Can’t have that I’m afraid.
Jurgen Klopp revitalised an entire club and fanbase, winning all the major trophies available in a nine-year career at Anfield.
Yes, there is a sense they might have won more but the two Champions League Finals he lost were against Real Madrid while they were battling an extraordinary team domestically in Manchester City. Let’s face it. If it was not for Klopp’s Liverpool challenging Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, we would have had some pretty dull Premier League seasons over a number of years.
On the separate point you mention, Arne Slot has made a fantastic start but 11 Premier League games do not mean it is time to reflect on Klopp’s tenure in a negative light.