Teddy Sheringham Changes His Mind About Liverpool Under Arne Slot as He Predicts Premier League Title Race
Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham has changed his mind on Liverpool’s Premier League prospects after observing the work of their new head coach, Arne Slot. Initially skeptical of Liverpool’s chances this season, Sheringham has now changed his mind.
The Manchester United legend now believes that Liverpool are a strong contender in the Premier League title race. His earlier doubts have been dispelled by the Reds’ impressive start to the season. Under Slot’s leadership, Liverpool have won all three of their opening matches. Fans have been particularly encouraged by both the team’s style of play and their solid defensive performance, with the team yet to concede a goal.
Sheringham admitted that, at first, he was unsure whether Liverpool could compete for the title this season. However, he now credits Arne Slot’s rapid adaptation to his role at Liverpool for putting the club in the running.
The Premier League title winner praised Slot’s approach to succeeding Jurgen Klopp, saying the Dutch coach has handled the transition “in a really clever way.”
Slot’s appointment came after Klopp’s departure, which ended the German manager’s nine-year tenure at Anfield. Despite the immense pressure of following Klopp, Sheringham highlighted Slot’s calm demeanor and engaging rhetoric, which have impressed both him and the Liverpool supporters.
Speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ “Gaffer of all Accas”, Sheringham shared his tips for this year’s title battle. “I think there’s three teams capable of winning the title this year.
“Man City, Arsenal and, while I was unsure about them, with the new manager coming in, I think Liverpool will be up there,” he said, before adding: “Arne Slot seems to have settled in very nicely. I loved his way of talking.”
Sheringham has admired how Slot has taken charge following Klopp, a manager who made a lasting impact at Liverpool by winning both the Premier League and the Champions League.
Despite Klopp’s legacy, the former West Ham player feels that Liverpool supporters will be excited about the club’s choice of replacement and appreciate the respect the new manager has shown towards the former boss.
“He mentioned Jurgen Klopp in a really clever way; he acknowledged that the fans loved Klopp, he said he loves him too, and he assured the supporters he wouldn’t be changing a lot,” he said.
“I bet they couldn’t believe their luck, when he said that. You know, he just dropped that line in beautifully, for me. I thought it was just fantastic, he’s handled the whole situation brilliantly.”
Slot’s transition to Anfield has been made easier by the team he took over. Although there have been some departures, including Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip, the former Feyenoord manager has inherited a squad that secured the League Cup last year and comfortably placed third in the Premier League, with most of the core players remaining.
Since joining, Slot’s only major addition has been Italian star Federico Chiesa. However, Sheringham believes that bringing in a few more new faces could further improve their prospects.
“There wasn’t a lot wrong at the club, to be honest,” Sheringham said. “Things can always be tweaked, especially if you’re heading into a new season having not won the league in the previous year.”
It remains to be seen how successful Slot will be. However, Sheringham believes the new manager is wise enough not to attempt to replicate Klopp’s approach and thinks he has the ideal demeanor to lead Liverpool into a prosperous new chapter.
“There was purpose in Jurgen’s ways, Liverpool fans loved him, and Slot obviously isn’t stupid enough to come in and try and do things his way, and change things up.
“His approach, and his acknowledgement of Klopp, is the perfect way to keep his players, and the supporters, on side. They’re definitely in the title race.”
In other Liverpool news, How Arne Slot Could Repeat Ryan Gravenberch Trick With Three Liverpool Players
