talkSPORT pundit Darren Ambrose backs Liverpool to keep up the pace under head coach Arne Slot as tougher fixtures await. Liverpool are at the top of the Premier League table ahead of the main title contenders Manchester City and Arsenal.
The Reds have won nine out of their ten games in all competitions under Slot before the October international break. Liverpool lost only one game to Nottingham Forest at home after the September international break hampered their rhythm amid complacency.
The Reds need to avoid the repeat of similar issues with complacency as they face tougher opposition, starting with Chelsea. Nevertheless, the quick adaption to Slot’s tactical style of play from the squad and a well-balanced mindset has provided hope.
Liverpool played a more direct attacking and counter-attacking style under legendary manager Jurgen Klopp that left a lot of space. The entertaining style of play and Klopp’s cheerleading personality provided a superhuman boost to the players and had its merits.
However, Slot’s style is more efficiency-oriented and a calmer approach that avoids leaving big spaces between the midfield and defence. Furthermore, the Dutchman’s emphasis on using possession wisely allows the players plenty of time to recover and maintain their fitness.
Liverpool suffered from a severe injury crisis last season that played a big role in their late downfall under Klopp. Slot inherited a formidable squad from Klopp and only added Federico Chiesa and avoiding any injury crisis would sustain consistency.
Speaking on talkSPORT (via YouTube), Ambrose highlighted the “controlling the game” aspect that could bolster the Red’s chances under Slot. He said:
“I can see them keeping up to pace. They seem to be going into games like Liverpool three or four years ago, where they just feel no matter what, we’re going to win. Arnie Slot said something along the lines of, ‘I don’t really need to sign anyone because Jurgen Klopp has left me a tremendous squad.’ He’s right, and Liverpool are still a force. Liverpool have added more control to their game this season. It’s not the rock-and-roll football of the past. They seem more mature, managing their energy and games better. Once they get their noses in front, they know how to control the game. Liverpool doesn’t need to go full throttle every single week anymore. 100%—I think it’s a three-horse race now, and Liverpool is definitely in it.”
Slot has not used the rotation policy immensely at the early season stages but the post-October international fixtures are brutal. Liverpool will play top clubs from the Premier League and the Champions League within days until the November international break.
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Furthermore, the trend will continue after the November international break ends and the congested December schedule arrives. Slot has a daunting task ahead to make sure the players remain fit and capable of maintaining a high level of consistency while avoiding their past trouble with complacency.
