Arne Slot’s Fines System Revealed as Liverpool Boss Prepares for Premier League Opener

Arne Slot, the new Liverpool manager, has an interesting approach to handling players who step out of line. Liverpool’s stars will need to be cautious this season, as Slot enforces strict criteria that, if not followed, could lead to consequences.

Slot’s fines system has come to light as he prepares for his first competitive match in charge of Liverpool against Ipswich Town. The Reds are set to visit Suffolk for the first time since 2002, facing the newly promoted Premier League side in the opening fixture of the 2023-24 season. Slot is keen to secure a victory and start the campaign on a positive note.

As the team gears up for Saturday’s lunchtime clash at Portman Road, one of Slot’s former players has shed light on the fines system the Dutchman implements. This system is designed to address any infractions or rule-breaking by players during their time at the club.

The practice of imposing fines for disciplinary reasons is common in Premier League teams. Many managers use this method to maintain order and ensure players stay focused. Fines might be issued for offenses such as arriving late to training or using phones during team meetings.

Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool manager, also employed a similar approach. Klopp’s version involved allowing players to decide the punishment for those who broke the rules.

James Milner revealed that this system included a large inflatable dice and a mock court session to determine the consequences for any infractions.

Colorado Rapids star Cole Bassett, who previously played for Feyenoord under the Dutch coach, notes that Slot’s methods are somewhat different.

“Every team has a few people who step out of line,” he told the Mirror. “It’s natural, we’re human beings.

“There’s a line with him [Slot], but he didn’t want to make too big a deal out of anything to the point where it affected the team or performances, and everybody started talking about it in the media. He deals with it internally so it never gets out and you can move on and focus on team things.

“Sometimes players do things and coaches go out in the media and make a big deal with it, and then the focus isn’t on the team for the game. I think he did well when we did have issues to keep it internal. Everyone makes mistakes and then you move on with it.”

Bassett explains that Slot will impose fines for more general infractions like tardiness to training or missing the team bus. However, in specific situations, he may adopt a more personalized approach to address the issue, aiming to teach a lesson and strengthen team unity.

“There was a time when we had an international break and the guys who didn’t get called into their national teams were able to go away for three or four days.

“One player didn’t come back on time for training on the Monday. Arne did well to sort it out. The player got fined and he had to take us out to a team dinner.”

Slot doesn’t appear to be the kind of person who would publicly criticize his players, and it’s likely that any internal issues will be kept private throughout the season.

Additionally, rather than penalizing his players with fines or suspensions, Slot seems to prefer transforming their discipline into a team-building opportunity, like organising a group meal to strengthen bonds.

These subtle actions could contribute to fostering team spirit and achieving success this season.

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