When Arne Slot took over Liverpool’s squad in Pittsburgh last summer, he wasted no time setting the tone.
There was no talk of a transition period or easing into the role after Jurgen Klopp’s legendary tenure.
Instead, he made one thing clear: Liverpool was here to win, not just compete.
That bold declaration set the stage for what has been an almost invincible season.
Now, just eight months later, Liverpool is on the brink of their first silverware under Slot, with the Carabao Cup final at Wembley offering the chance to turn ambition into reality.
A Manager Focused on Trophies
Andy Robertson, a key figure in Liverpool’s golden era under Klopp, recalls the moment he knew Slot meant business.
“In our first meeting, he basically told us, ‘We finished third last season, now we want to finish above the other two,’” Robertson shared.
“He wasn’t just here to make up the numbers or settle for a top-four spot. At Liverpool, you can’t afford a settling-in period—not even after Klopp.”
Slot’s philosophy resonated with the squad. They bought into his vision, and the results speak for themselves.
With just one league defeat this season, Liverpool has looked unstoppable, but there’s still a looming sense of change ahead.
Uncertainty Looms Over the Squad
Despite their dominance, questions remain about the future.
Key players like Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all nearing the end of their contracts.
Robertson himself, now 31, faces speculation about his place in the team amid interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
Though he won’t label it a “Last Dance,” Robertson acknowledges that this era won’t last forever.
“We don’t know exactly when, but it’ll come to an end soon,” he admitted.
“Some of us are in our thirties, and football is always changing. Fans always want something new. That’s just the way it is.”
Rather than dwell on the future, Robertson emphasizes the team’s focus on the present.
“What we’ve done well is take it one game at a time. Our attitude, our concentration—it’s all been spot on.”
The Immediate Challenge: Carabao Cup Glory
While the Premier League remains the ultimate goal, with Liverpool leading by 15 points, the first opportunity for silverware arrives today against Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.
Robertson still remembers last year’s dramatic final against Chelsea, where Liverpool’s young squad, ravaged by injuries, secured victory in the dying moments thanks to Van Dijk’s goal.
“That game was unbelievable. With all the injuries we had, young lads stepping up, and winning it at the last minute—it was special,” he reflected.
“People downplay the League Cup, but once you’re lifting that trophy, it’s an amazing feeling.”
Slot’s Tactical Approach vs. Klopp’s Mentality Monsters
One of the biggest differences between Slot and Klopp is their approach to the game.
Klopp’s Liverpool thrived on an intense, high-energy style—mentality monsters, as they were famously called. Slot, on the other hand, is a tactician who adapts based on the opponent.
“He switches things up a lot depending on who we’re playing,” Robertson noted.
“Against City, we went with two No. 10s and two wingers. Under Klopp, we had a set blueprint—if we executed it perfectly, no team could stop us.
Now, we’re calmer on the ball, not as frantic, but the energy is still there.”
Slot’s animated presence was on full display last weekend when Liverpool found themselves trailing Southampton.
While delivering a fiery halftime speech, Robertson, who was warming up as a substitute, managed to avoid the brunt of it.
“There was definitely a noticeable difference in how the other guys played in the second half,” he laughed.
Tough Test Against Newcastle
Liverpool’s opponents today, Newcastle, are no pushovers.
Their 3-3 draw with the Reds in December showed their resilience, and with injuries affecting Liverpool’s right-back options—Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley both sidelined—Slot may have to shuffle his defense.
When asked if he could be an emergency right-back, Robertson dismissed the idea with a laugh.
“I played on the right once for Scotland and got moved back to the left at halftime.
That tells you all you need to know!” he joked.
Instead, the likeliest solution is Jarell Quansah shifting from center-back.
Whatever the lineup, the goal remains the same: lift that trophy and make Slot’s first season one to remember.
Liverpool has already proven they can compete under their new manager.
Now, they have a chance to take the next step and start building Slot’s own legacy—one trophy at a time.