Arne Slot, the mastermind behind Liverpool’s sensational 2024-25 Premier League triumph, expressed overwhelming joy and pride after guiding the Reds to a record-equaling 20th top-flight title in his debut season. The Dutch tactician, who took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer, sealed the championship with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Sunday, marking a historic moment in his career and for the club.
Speaking to the press after the match, Slot admitted the magnitude of the achievement was still sinking in. “What else is there to say? It is unbelievable. From this moment now, I am part of the history of this great football club,” he said, his voice tinged with emotion. “I’m very happy, but it also feels unreal to join the illustrious band of legends who have won a league championship with Liverpool.”
The 46-year-old, who became the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League and only the fifth manager to claim the title in his debut season, credited the foundation laid by his predecessor. In a classy gesture, Slot paid tribute to Klopp, leading the Anfield crowd in singing the German’s name during the celebrations. “Jürgen built something special here, and I inherited a fine culture and squad. My job was to add my own touch, and the players embraced it,” Slot said.
Liverpool’s path to glory was nothing short of dominant. Needing just a point against Tottenham to secure the title, the Reds delivered a statement performance, with goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an own goal by Destiny Udogie. The victory, celebrated in front of a jubilant Anfield crowd, marked the first time in 35 years that Liverpool fans could revel in a title win at home, unlike their 2019-20 triumph during COVID-19 restrictions.
Slot’s tactical tweaks and level-headed approach have been pivotal. Subtle changes, including relieving Salah of defensive duties to maximize his attacking output, resulted in the Egyptian’s remarkable 28 goals and 18 assists this season. Players like Gakpo, Ryan Gravenberch, and Ibrahima Konaté also flourished under Slot’s one-on-one coaching, which he implemented despite a pre-season disrupted by the European Championship.
“It feels unreal to be a Premier League champion,” Slot reflected. “We couldn’t have asked for more. To win the league at home, in front of our fans after going 1-0 down, shows what makes this club so great.”
The victory places Slot alongside Liverpool icons like Matt McQueen, Joe Fagan, and Kenny Dalglish, who also won the title in their first seasons, though Slot’s achievement stands out as he was an outsider stepping into Klopp’s colossal shadow. His coolness under pressure and analytical approach propelled Liverpool to 82 points with four games to spare, leaving second-placed Arsenal trailing by 12.
As celebrations spilled into the night, with players donning ‘Champions 25’ shirts and Salah snapping a now-iconic selfie, Slot remained grounded. “I won’t be the loudest or weirdest during the celebrations,” he quipped, noting he’d share the moment with his family and friends visiting from the Netherlands. Yet, his pride was unmistakable: “The Premier League was the most special trophy we could win, and to deliver it for these fans is something I’ll never forget.”
With the title secured, attention now turns to Liverpool’s future. While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have committed to new contracts, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s potential move to Real Madrid looms. Slot, however, is already planning to strengthen the squad, with Jamie Carragher suggesting reinforcements in two key positions to sustain Liverpool’s dominance.