Arne Slot will bring unorthodox habit to Liverpool while Man United and Chelsea embarrassed
Liverpool is enduring a difficult end to the season, but it's not overly tricky to gain some perspective. A quick glance at some of the club's rivals has that effect.
After all, Jürgen Klopp has succeeded in restoring Liverpool to the Champions League places, something Manchester United and Chelsea could only dream of. With Spurs looking likely to miss out as well, that's half of the traditional top six failing to book a place among Europe's elite.
The announcement that Klopp would be leaving placed extra significance on the campaign, which has led to the feeling of deflation at how the charge on four fronts has petered out. But Liverpool will at least end it with one trophy in the cabinet, having made huge strides compared to last season.
READ MORE: Confirmed rule change should benefit Liverpool star who was robbed of golden chance by injury
READ MORE: Who is Takefusa Kubo? Skillful Liverpool-linked winger with Real Madrid and Barcelona past
Looking to the future, the club appears in good shape to continue competing at the highest level. Arne Slot looks as though he will be the man tasked with overseeing that on the pitch, while the return of Michael Edwards to the FSG operation is a major boost behind the scenes. Here are two Liverpool.com stories from today that you don't want to miss.
Arne Slot's unusual habit could come to Liverpool
Much has been made of Slot's love for wingers. He told The Athletic last summer that he had instructed the Feyenoord CEO to sign him plenty of players for that position.
As such, it's natural to look at the wingers on Liverpool's books — the likes of Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo, all of whom could potentially benefit. Transfer links to new wide players are also inevitable.
But there's also something to be learned about the unorthodox manner in which Slot uses his wingers. He views the position as among the most intense in his system, and therefore sees rotation as imperative.
There's nothing unusual about that, but Slot makes his changes almost like clockwork. Certainly, it will be a culture shock for someone like Salah to see his number coming up around the hour mark far more often than not.
Among three of Feyenoord's most prominent wingers this season, there have only been five completed lots of 90 minutes between them. James Martin has more on what could be a nightmare for fantasy football managers: read the article by clicking here.
Man United and Chelsea embarrassed
It's been a relatively encouraging period for Chelsea, who kept European hopes alive with a win over Spurs. Though it has looked highly implausible for most of the season, it could yet reel in Manchester United as the duo scrap for a Europa League spot.
However, in the Champions League, both clubs have suffered something of an embarrassment despite not being in the competition. Borussia Dortmund is closing in on a place in the showpiece final, and its run has been spearheaded by loanees from Chelsea and Manchester United.
Chelsea will wonder how on earth it considered Ian Maatsen surplus to immediate requirements in January. Meanwhile, the Jadon Sancho situation at Man United is well-known, and has been mismanaged at just about every turn.
Will either club be able to get its act together behind the scenes any time soon? Both have taken steps in that direction with various appointments and ownership changes, but both were thwarted over the last year or two in their efforts to bring in Michael Edwards.
Widely regarded as best in class, it is now Liverpool once again benefiting from his services. Read the full story by clicking here.