Arend Martijn Slot, popularly known as Arne Slot, has entered the Liverpool Hall of Fame after winning their 20th English top flight title on Sunday, and he claims that his team could not have lost on the day.
Liverpool, who are now officially England’s most successful team, have only won two trophies in the Premier League era. Both titles have been special, as they came up against very good teams who were multiple winners at that point.
Slot’s win, however, comes in a season where the club was transitioning from a system that had lasted for nine years. The Dutchman only took the helm at the beginning of the season from Jürgen Klopp and many expected the Reds to spend two to three seasons playing second or third fiddle to other teams because of Slot’s relative inexperience.
Everything, however, fell in place for the former Feyenoord Rotterdam manager: Manchester City, the past champions, were inconsistent and other clubs were poor. Slot took full advantage, worked with what he was given, and showed that he was here to stay.
Anfield’s roar fuels title glory
The afternoon started on a sour note for his side as they fell behind first. However, they rallied easily using the noise of the Anfield support as fuel, to score five goals in reply, winning the match 5 – 1 and earning the title with four matches to go.
Speaking after the game, Slot said: “I am very, very happy but also it is quite unreal. We have worked so hard for this moment to happen and when it does it needs some time for it to truly mean it.
“The fans were so happy that it didn’t take me long to understand what has happened.
“The only moment I was emotional today was when we arrived at the stadium to see what it meant for the fans, for these people. For us to have a chance to win it was really special but it felt, but we still have to do it.
“But everyone inside that bus felt that if the fans were with us, which they are, it was impossible to lose this game of football. During the game, after the game, it has been incredible how supportive the fans were and how the players played. Special to be part of this day.”
Asked on how he will celebrate, Slot said: “Probably with a glass of beer or two or maybe three.
“It is special to have my family with me because my family — and all of the families of the players — have to make certain sacrifices if you do this job, not only this season, my whole career.
“For me, like you, everyone works really hard but we’re not always home. My family was still in Holland so, in moments, it was hard for me but also for them as well. To win it, everyone feels the few sacrifices we made were definitely worth it and it is special they experience this moment as well.”
