Arne Slot is set to become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League in the near future. The coach will play a title-deciding match with Liverpool on Sunday. According to the successful manager, the league has proven to be incredibly strong.
Arne Slot is on the brink of making history, poised to become the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League, as Liverpool prepare for a crucial, season-defining match against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, April 27, at 17:30.
The stakes could not be higher: a victory at Anfield would see Liverpool crowned champions of England once again, marking not just a monumental achievement for the club, but a personal milestone for Slot, who has guided the team through one of the most competitive seasons in recent memory.
The pressure surrounding the fixture is immense, with Liverpool fans eagerly anticipating the opportunity to celebrate a long-awaited league title. The atmosphere in the city is electric, and the anticipation at Anfield promises to be unlike anything Slot has experienced before. Yet, despite the magnitude of the occasion, Slot has remained characteristically composed, determined to focus on the immediate challenge rather than the potential glory that awaits.
At the press conference ahead of the decisive clash with Tottenham, Slot was inevitably questioned about the historical significance of his potential accomplishment. Becoming the first Dutch coach to win England’s top-flight title is no small feat. “I’m getting these questions now, yes. It has crossed my mind,” he admitted. “But it’s really the last thing I’m thinking about as a coach right now. The only thing I focus on is the players I can use. I know how difficult it is to win matches in this league,” he added, keen to downplay the growing hype and maintain a laser focus on his squad.
Slot’s ability to stay grounded has been a defining feature of his tenure at Liverpool. Despite the growing excitement surrounding the team’s title bid, he has consistently emphasized the importance of preparation, discipline, and respect for every opponent. “I’m not getting carried away,” Slot stated calmly. “The first days after I arrived here, I looked around, started working with the players, and tried to explain my playing style. That week didn’t differ much from how my predecessor (Jürgen Klopp) worked. When you walk into Anfield, you know people expect trophies.”
Slot’s arrival at Liverpool was met with both excitement and skepticism. Taking over from Jürgen Klopp, one of the most beloved and successful managers in the club’s history, was never going to be easy. Klopp had set a high bar, leading Liverpool to numerous trophies, including the Premier League title in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019. Slot, however, has brought his own tactical ideas and calm leadership, gradually earning the trust of both the players and the fans.
"That didn’t change when I arrived," Slot continued, fully aware of the weight of expectation. "The great thing here is that managers are generally given time to work. So then the chances of winning something are pretty high. You’re aware of that, but it’s not something you hold on to for long. I’ve experienced this season now, and I think it has never been this close for the top five spots."
Indeed, the 2024/25 Premier League season has been one of the tightest and most fiercely contested in years. With multiple teams in contention for the title deep into the campaign, every point has mattered, and no result has been guaranteed. Slot has had to navigate injuries, tactical challenges, and intense pressure from rivals, all while keeping Liverpool consistently near the top of the table.
Slot also addressed claims circulating in the media that the Premier League might not be as strong this year as in previous seasons. "In my opinion, this league has been really tough. There’s no easy match. That says something about us. We’re not the only team struggling to win games by two or three goals. You could say that Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City aren’t as good, or you could recognize that the rest have improved."
Throughout the season, Liverpool have shown resilience and adaptability, qualities Slot has instilled in the squad. From hard-fought wins away from home to dominant performances at Anfield, the team has risen to every challenge. Key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and emerging talents from the academy have all contributed to the club’s success under Slot’s leadership.
As Liverpool prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur, Slot knows that nothing is guaranteed. Tottenham, fighting for a European spot themselves, will not make things easy. The London side, with their own ambitions, will look to spoil Liverpool’s party, and Slot is well aware of the threat they pose. "We respect every opponent, and Tottenham is no exception. They have quality players and a lot to play for. We need to be at our very best."
Should Liverpool secure the win, the celebrations will be immense, not just for the club, but for Slot, who will have etched his name into Premier League history. It would be a crowning moment for a manager who, in just one season, has managed to take a team under intense scrutiny and guide them to the pinnacle of English football.
But until the final whistle blows, Slot remains focused on the job at hand. For him, the work is not done, and the title is not won yet.