Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has explained how they’ve enjoyed a smooth transition under Arne Slot, and avoided the downfalls suffered by the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Argentine has been speaking to La Media Inglesa about the transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot this season.
Klopp announced his surprise departure towards the end of last season, electing to leave Anfield after admitting he had grown tired.
Slot was eventually hired as his replacement in the summer, coming in from Feyenoord, where he had established them as title challengers and regulars in the Champions League.
Many had predicted this season could prove to be a difficult one for Liverpool, citing the examples of Manchester United and Arsenal, who both struggled to move on from the long-term reigns of Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger.
Instead, the opposite has happened as Liverpool sit top of the Premier League, six points clear of Arsenal, as well as finishing top of the Champions League’s new league phase.
It’s been a smooth transition into life under the Dutch coach, who has seemingly found no problems following in Klopp’s footsteps.
“I think we were quite lucky that the club found a very strong candidate and, I think, the right one to be here, as is Arne,” he said.
“We’re exceeding expectations, I would say, because I think at the beginning of the season nobody expected it, not even me, at least, we didn’t expect to be where we are today. That’s largely thanks to Arne and then, obviously, to a group that has an ambition and a very strong mentality.
“In fact, as you say, many of us expected, indeed, even a downfall after the club, because it has happened in big clubs that have changed their coach, the Wenger, Ferguson and others. Not only has there been no downfall, but there has even been improvement.
“I think the main difference is that before we were a very, very direct team and today we’re a team where we try to be a little more patient and a little more possessive.
“I think that with the quality of the players we have, with the physical capacity of the players we have, having possession and, at times, being able to rest with the ball has helped us a lot to be more fresh.
“And, well, I think that’s perhaps the difference. I would tell you that the main ideas are more or less the same and I think that’s why the group feels so comfortable.”
