Karren Brady: Slot subtly tweaked Klopp’s famous ‘heavy metal’ tactical approach to turn Liverpool into worthy champions

AT THE start of the season, title conversation centred around Manchester City’s seemingly inevitable dominance, Arsenal’s growth and a resurgent Chelsea.

Yet here we are, with Liverpool at the summit of the Premier League, proving once again football is not played on paper — but on the pitch.

Liverpool have defied expectations, outgunned their rivals and shown themselves to be the rightful champions-in-waiting.

It is often said that winning is about mentality as much as ability, and this Liverpool side is built on the kind of resilience that turns good teams into great ones.

Their famous “mentality monsters” have re-emerged this season, grinding out results when it mattered most.

Late winners, comeback victories and an insatiable will to win have become the hallmarks of this side.

While City stumbled with uncharacteristic sloppiness, and Arsenal lacked the ruthlessness of true champions, Liverpool have been relentless.

With Jurgen Klopp no longer at the helm, many expected Liverpool to struggle. Instead, they have adapted brilliantly.

Under new manager Arne Slot, the team have maintained the high standards set under Klopp while implementing fresh tactical ideas.

Slot, who arrived last summer from Feyenoord, has brought a dynamic, possession-based style of play that emphasises high pressing and fluid attacking movement.

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His philosophy aligns well with Liverpool’s aggressive ethos, making the transition smooth and effective.

This speaks volumes about the club’s long-term planning and the resilience of the squad.

Even so, Slot and his assistants have created a fully tutored team, one that seems to skilfully cover every blade of grass.

Many paths lead to leading scorer Mo Salah, who at 32 is playing sharper football than at any time in an exceptional career.

He has abandoned his wild hairstyle, smiles like a happy lad and tidied up his appearance in readiness, I hope, to receive the Ballon d’Or he so cherishes. 

Watch him, this jinking little fellow cutting in from the right and ­swinging his left-foot shot into the far corner of the net.  It has become one of the great sights in football. Much has been made of Liverpool’s evolution this season. 

Unlike Arsenal’s over-reliance on key players or City’s struggles without Rodri at times, Liverpool have navigated their absences with minimal disruption.

The team subtly tweaked its tactical approach, shifting from the famed ‘heavy-metal football’ favoured by Klopp to a more controlled and balanced system.

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hybrid role has added a new dimension, while the emergence of young talents like Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones has injected fresh energy into the squad.

Slot has also reinforced defensive stability while ensuring the attack remains as potent as ever. Liverpool have found ways to win matches in different styles.

They can blitz teams with intensity or manage games with composure.

And that adaptability has turned Liverpool into the most well-rounded side in the Premier League.

While injuries have tested Liverpool’s squad depth, their recruitment and squad management have ensured they have the right players at the right time.

Unlike Arsenal’s over-reliance on key players or City’s struggles without Rodri at times, Liverpool have navigated their absences with minimal disruption.

The return of key players for the final stretch of the season will only strengthen Liverpool’s charge towards the title.

While City’s dominance has been built on an empire of limitless spending, Liverpool have had to be smarter. They have built a team, a culture, and an identity that stands apart in modern football.

This title, should they complete the job, will be a testament to the squad’s character and the club’s refusal to back down against financially superior rivals.

While City’s dominance has been built on an empire of limitless spending, Liverpool have had to be smarter. They have built a team, a culture, and an identity that stands apart in modern football.

As the business end of the season arrives, one thing is clear: Liverpool have the hunger, mentality and quality to reclaim their crown.

The writing is on the wall… and it is written in red.