Liverpool supervisor Arne Slot paid tribute to his predecessor Jurgen Klopp moments after his aspect received the Premier League title.
The Reds defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield on Sunday to clinch a record-equalling twentieth top-flight title, with Slot turning into the primary Dutch coach to win the Premier League.
“It feels nice. I do not suppose I wish to say rather a lot. The one factor now’s to ship my appreciation to Jurgen Klopp,” Slot, who changed Klopp as Liverpool supervisor final summer time, instructed LFCTV.
The 46-year-old instantly launched right into a rendition of the music Klopp requested Liverpool followers to sing after his ultimate recreation final Could, however changed the lyrics ‘Arne Slot’ with ‘Jurgen Klopp’.
“I’m 99.9% certain that if I decide up my cellphone, there will likely be a message from Jurgen,” he instructed BBC Match of the Day.
“So many moments within the season, the 2 of us have had contact. I believe he confirmed final season what a beautiful human being he’s by introducing me.
“However what mattered most is the staff he left behind that was in a position to win the trophy.”
Slot, talking to Sky Sports activities, added: “The work Jurgen and Pep [Lijnders] did – the tradition, work-rate, high quality – was excellent.”
Few anticipated Slot to supervise a profitable title cost in his first season at Anfield, not least the person himself.
“We began rather well and possibly it helped that [Manchester] Metropolis had a troublesome spell that they haven’t had in 5 years,” he stated.
“When the season began, we might have been proud of the highest 4. However I do not suppose that’s honest on the gamers as they’re much higher than that and so they have proven it this season.”
Dominic Solanke gave Spurs a shock lead at Anfield, however Slot had no doubts his aspect would flip issues round.
“I believe from the second we arrived on the bus, everybody might really feel that we had been by no means going to lose this recreation,” he instructed BBC Match of the Day.
“The followers had been so supportive earlier than and through the recreation. Even at 1-0 down, you felt this staff and the followers might get it over the road.”
He instructed LFCTV: “They at all times discover a strategy to win. I am extremely proud, not solely of the gamers however of the folks standing right here, sport administrators, my employees members, we must always give them a giant spherical of applause.
“Let’s overlook it is the second title in 35 years…It is the second in 5 years.”
‘That is 100% higher’
Liverpool final received the Premier League 5 years in the past, however the Coronavirus pandemic meant there have been no followers inside Anfield to witness it.
For followers and gamers alike, a primary title win in entrance of supporters since 1990 is one thing particular.
“It is particular to win it at Anfield – it’s totally troublesome to explain,” Mohamed Salah instructed BBC Sport.
“Everybody needed Palace to complete it [at Arsenal on Wednesday], however I do know what Anfield is like, so I am glad we did it right here.
“It is fully completely different [to the title in 2020]. The sensation is unbelievable. The primary time was lockdown and the pandemic, however to be right here 5 years later is unbelievable.”
Salah instructed Sky Sports activities: “That is 100% higher than final time.”
Virgil van Dijk – the primary non-British captain to guide Liverpool to a high flight title – devoted the triumph to the membership’s supporters.
“I used to be determined to win it for them [the fans] and all of the followers world wide, and for us as effectively,” Van Dijk instructed Sky Sports activities.
“That is probably the most stunning membership on this planet. We deserve this. We’re going to benefit from the subsequent couple of weeks and take it in.”
Left-back Andy Robertson was additionally a member of the 2019-20 title-winning staff, and he has now develop into simply the third Scotsman to win a number of Premier League titles after Darren Fletcher and Brian McClair.
“Final time [we won the league in 2020] was an odd time,” he instructed Sky Sports activities.
“It was distinctive the best way we did it. We loved it, after all, however you can not beat what we skilled in the present day. Nothing compares to that.
“It’s particular. For me, after I got here to this membership, I shortly realised how good Scottish gamers have been right here. There’s a little bit of stress with that. I’m glad I managed to proceed that and hopefully can carry that ahead.”
It has been a exceptional few years for midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who received the 2022 World Cup with Argentina earlier than becoming a member of Liverpool in 2023.
“To win a World Cup and now a Premier League is basically particular,” he stated.
“However it will not be potential with out my teammates. I’m only one a part of the puzzle. This staff has been actually good the final two years.
“It wasn’t sufficient final 12 months, however this 12 months we made a giant distinction. Hopefully, we are able to get pleasure from this week.”
‘This title feels extra particular’
Regardless of uncertainty relating to his future hanging over him for a lot of this season, Salah has been sensational.
His 63rd-minute objective on Sunday was his twenty eighth of the season, whereas he has arrange one other 18 for his teammates.
“It is unbelievable. Profitable the Premier League and having the affect I’ve had is unbelievable,” Salah instructed BBC Match of the Day.
“For me, this Slot thanks Klopp moments after Liverpool win title feels extra particular. Jürgen [Klopp] is just not right here, and different gamers I respect rather a lot should not right here, however to do it with a brand new supervisor and a brand new staff reveals what I am able to.”
Defending their title is not going to be simple, however having dedicated his speedy future to the membership with a brand new two-year contract earlier this month, Salah is assured.
“Individuals suppose it should get simpler, however now it should be troublesome as a result of different groups will catch us, and it should be tougher for him [Slot],” he stated.
“Even in my time right here, the second season was means tougher.
“I consider subsequent season and the 12 months after will likely be nice, for certain.”
Slot shared his star man’s optimism.
“That’s one thing we’re undoubtedly going to attempt [to defend the title],” he instructed BBC Match of the Day.
“However first, we’re going to get pleasure from the previous couple of video games.”
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