Liverpool are looking to make a fast start to life under Arne Slot as the Dutchman prepares to start his first Premier League campaign.
The new Premier League season is on the horizon and Liverpool are embarking on new era.
Jurgen Klopp has gone after more than eight years in the job and he has passed the torch to Arne Slot, even chanting his name during an emotional Anfield goodbye.
Slot has been plucked from Feyenoord having won an Eredivisie title during his time at De Kuip.
Praised as ‘unbelievable’ by outgoing Liverpool coach Pep Lijnders, Slot faces an unenviable task in terms of trying to replace Klopp.
Some aren’t quite convinced and believe that Liverpool will have a tough start to the season, with Slot no doubt set to experience some teething problems.
Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot on Arne Slot
Liverpool lost a behind-closed-doors friendly against Preston North End but beat Real Betis 1-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Slot’s approach is a little different to Klopp’s, so this is a real period of transition for Liverpool players.
Whereas Klopp was all-action with quick play into the front line, Slot is a slightly more possession-based tactician.
That fits in with the usual mould of a Dutch coach and Slot’s approach will be a real change of pace for the Liverpool squad.
Harvey Elliott has now offered his verdict on Slot and his early tactical approach whilst speaking to BBC Sport.
Elliott believes that Slot’s style is ‘very elegant’ and ‘a lot different’ to Klopp’s approach at liverpool.
The playmaker believes that Liverpool players are not nervous about playing under Slot but are excited to go out and put practice into action.
Elliott added a prediction, suggesting that Liverpool players will learn Slot’s methods ‘very quickly’ having already seen glimpses of ‘amazing football’.
“It’s very elegant, Dutch style, it’s very nice,” said Elliott. “The style of play is a lot different. It’s more about in possession now. The players are excited, we play certain patterns, it is a good buzz around the team and the lads are excited to apply it in games. It’s a fresh start for everyone. I don’t think it is nerves but excitement. I think we [will learn it] very quickly to be honest. We have seen in the last game there were certain moments where the amazing football was free-flowing.”
“It’s pre-season and it is only the first couple of games and we need to keep trusting what they are teaching us. We need to keep going if things don’t work out [immediately] because it is all new,” he added.
Liverpool ramping up preparations
Liverpool now take on Arsenal in the early hours of Thursday morning before facing Manchester United just a few days later.
Upon returning to England, Liverpool will take on Sevilla before the big Premier League opener against Ipswich Town.
A trip to Portman Road is far from ideal with the newly-promoted Tractor Boys presenting a real banana skin for Liverpool.
Slot will be keen to get his Liverpool side up to speed before that trip and will hope that Elliott’s teammates share the same excitement ahead of the new campaign.
This may be the time for Elliott to really kick on towards the England squad with ex-Reds midfielder Lucas Leiva backing him to shine.
Elliott has the talent to take his game to another level and Slot’s tactical approach may actually suit him very well with more focus on technical ability than athletic prowess.
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