Sir Kenny Dalglish has praised Arne Slot’s “brilliant” debut campaign after the Dutchman led Liverpool to the Premier League title at the first attempt.
Arne Slot guided the Reds to their 20th English league crown in the 2024–25 season, finishing 10 points ahead of Arsenal. It was the perfect start to life at Anfield for the former Feyenoord boss, who succeeded the legendary Jürgen Klopp last summer.
Speaking during Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Asia, Dalglish said he was impressed with how smoothly the new head coach adapted to the role and earned the trust of the squad.
“Arne coming in, first year, it was a big year as well for him,” he told Liverpoolfc.com in Hong Kong. “He was brilliant the way that he just had a good look at the boys.”
“He brought in a goalkeeper who has now signed [Giorgi Mamardashvili] and I think [Federico] Chiesa was the only other one he actually bought for the squad.”
“He has got off to a brilliant start, and he has given everybody a fair chance and has had a look. He has got one or two ideas that obviously have resulted in transfers now. So, I’m looking forward to this season and how it goes.” Sir Kenny Dalglish
Dalglish also highlighted the 45-year-old’s calm and methodical approach, praising how well he followed on from Klopp’s hugely successful reign.
“It was a good job to get,” he continued. “I know Jurgen left, and Jurgen in his own way was hugely successful at Liverpool and a great manager. Arne is a different breed, but he is still a great manager. They had a great year last year, and we’re looking forward to this year.”
“He had a hard act to follow and followed as well as he did. Now he’s got himself in. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to [next season]. He couldn’t have done any better. A really, really good job he did – and I hope it continues for him.”
Sir Dalglish, who won the league in his first season as Liverpool player-manager in 1985–86, is one of only three managers in the club’s history to achieve the feat. He believes Slot’s personality and football knowledge will help him build on last season’s success.
“He’s a really good guy. They say good people don’t normally win, but I don’t think that’s the case,” he said. “So, fingers crossed for him this year because he deserves it.”
