Arne Slot is having a blast in his first season as Liverpool manager. The Dutchman has spectacularly made those doubting him eat humble pie by exceeding expectations. The Reds are en route to win the Premier League in his debut campaign, that too in style!
It took Jurgen Klopp his fifth season as Liverpool boss to lift the league title. Slot is poised to achieve that in his first. He’s had to overcome some tricky obstacles to make the Reds perform like a consistent, well-oiled machine.
The Reds have averaged more goals per game (2.4) in 28 league games under Slot this season than they did in Klopp’s final campaign. They also 13 goals from fast-breaks so far in this campaign than they did in the 2023/24 Premier League.
He’s gotten the very best out of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk despite questions around their futures. Salah has over 50 goal contributions (30 goals, 22 assists) in all competitions. Van Dijk has tapped into his best leadership skills, helping his side keep 12 clean sheets in 28 Premier League games.
Slot is poised to win his first trophy as Liverpool boss when they play in the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle United. The Reds are also strong contenders for the Champions Laegue title. So it’s not surprising at all for the hierarchy to think about rewarding him with a new and improved contract.
As per This Is Anfield, the Liverpool hierarchy are planning to start negotiating a contract extension for Slot after the end of the 2024/25 season. The 46-year-old’s current deal expires in 2027. Slot is also on a relatively low salary of £6.6 million per year, or £127,000-a-week.
In comparison, Pep Guardiola reportedly earns £20 million-a-year, Mikel Arteta gets £13 million and David Moyes is on £12.5 million-a-year at Everton. Not only does Slot deserve a longer deal for his work, but also a major pay-hike as he’s poised to become the fifth manager ever to win the Premier League title in their first campaign.
Slot might be using players signed by Jurgen Klopp, but the way he’s gotten the best out of them in his own system would even make the German gaffer proud. The 46-year-old has kept his squad focused and hungry throughout the campaign, ensuring they always keep their eyes on the prize.
If the Dutchman can end the campaign by helping Liverpool to the Premier League and at least a cup trophy, he can probably expect a major contract extension gift in the summer.
