Arne Slot believes modern football has fundamentally changed and says Liverpool must evolve if they want to compete again with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City next season.
Speaking about the future and the idea of a “reset” at Liverpool, Slot delivered an interesting and revealing assessment of how the game itself is changing tactically.
The Liverpool head coach first congratulated Arsenal and Mikel Arteta after their title-winning season.
“First of all, I hope someone asked me that at the start but I congratulate Arsenal on winning the league, Mikel and his staff, did a tremendous job.”
Slot then highlighted how different Arsenal’s title-winning approach has been compared to previous champions.
“They have been a different champion than last time, it’s first time in 30 years 40% of goals had from set pieces!”
The comments show Slot is clearly studying how elite teams are now winning football matches.
And his reference to set pieces is especially notable given how much Liverpool struggled defensively from dead-ball situations throughout parts of this season.
Many supporters have criticised Liverpool for looking tactically unprepared and physically vulnerable in key moments — particularly compared to Arsenal’s organisation and structure.
Slot also referenced praise from Luis Enrique regarding Arsenal’s defensive work off the ball.
“Luis Enrique said they are the best off the ball in our league, which I agree, I also think Europe.”
That admission may surprise some Liverpool supporters given how openly many fans have criticised Arsenal’s style in recent years.
But Slot’s comments suggest he believes modern elite football now demands far greater tactical discipline, pressing structure and set-piece efficiency than ever before.
He continued:
“Football has evolved so we have to compete with Arsenal and City again with our brand of football.”
That line will probably divide opinion among Liverpool fans.
Because while supporters understand football constantly evolves, many also fear Liverpool lost part of their identity this season.
The intensity, chaos and aggression associated with the Jürgen Klopp era often felt missing.
However, Slot insists adaptation is essential if Liverpool want to return to the very top.
“We have to know and understand football has changed.”
He even pointed towards recent European finals as further evidence of the importance of set pieces and tactical detail.
“Villa scored two goals via set pieces [in Europa League final]. We take that into account.”
Perhaps most importantly for supporters though, Slot acknowledged Liverpool still need to play football the fans actually enjoy watching.
“We have to play a style the fans like but also we want to compete.”
That balancing act may define Liverpool’s entire future under Slot.
Because supporters do not just want results.
They want identity.
Intensity.
Emotion.
And football worthy of Anfield again.
The challenge for Slot now is proving he can modernise Liverpool tactically without losing the aggressive spirit supporters fell in love with under Klopp.
Because next season will not simply be about improvement.
For many fans, it may determine whether Slot truly is the right man to lead Liverpool’s next era.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
Arne, I agree, LFC need a reset – without you.