Liverpool legend John Barnes elaborated on what the club did differently from their rivals to avoid a Manchester United-like collapse. Barnes emphasized the character of the squad that Jurgen Klopp left which played a crucial role in the successful transition.

Clubs like Man United, Chelsea and Arsenal have struggled to maintain their success at the top after a managerial change. United have not recovered from the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson and the same happened to Arsenal after Arsene Wenger.

These clubs have spent astronomical money in the transfer market and changed numerous managers to become competitive once again. Despite the recent success of Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, the Londoners have won nothing to show their return to the top.

Furthermore, their use of “dark arts” to achieve success despite spending endless money in the transfer market gained deserved criticism. Meanwhile, Arne Slot succeeded Klopp at Liverpool and enjoyed a quick successful transition at the Merseyside club during the summer.

Speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest Is Football podcast, Barnes highlighted the quality in character of the Liverpool squad. He said:

“So we’re playing off a slower build-up, many more passes from the back, but in transition, when we have to go forward. And the players have bought into it. We’ve seen when Fergie left, we’ve seen when [Arsene] Wenger left, we’ve seen when [Jose] Mourinho left big clubs, who clubs don’t do as well because the players relax – the big man has gone. Liverpool players haven’t done that. The Liverpool players that Jurgen Klopp signed were good characters enough to know ‘Oh you’re not here any more but we have to respect the club, the traditions, the fans and the new manager – we do what you say’ because it’s a completely different way of playing.

Slot uses a similar philosophy to Klopp with the ability to work on a limited budget but prefers different tactics. The Dutchman prefers more calmness and efficiency in using the ball than continuously attacking opponents like Liverpool played under Klopp.

The new tactics allow Liverpool to maintain control in both offensive and defensive phases, avoiding any gaps in their structure. The lack of space between midfield and defence allows them to play defensive midfielder of Ryan Gravenberch’s profile.

Slot inherited a formidable squad from Klopp with strong characters and leaders helping the new head coach and the team. Liverpool have adapted quickly under Slot, helping them win five out of six games in all competitions.

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However, the Nottingham Forest loss was riddled with complacency, a problem the team faced last season. Hopefully, Slot will get rid of such rare complacent games that proved costly to the club in the past.