Arne Slot’s low-key Liverpool unveiling had no Jurgen Klopp-style fanfare – and that is a good thing

As catchphrases for a new era go, it is fair to say Arne Slot’s vow to be “similar, but a bit different” to his superstar predecessor will not find itself blazoned on a Kop banner or – as was the way with Jurgen Klopp’s quips – a Liverpool mug.

The 45-year-old Dutchman’s efforts to make a meaningful first impression were inevitably, and unfairly, bound to be compared to the supercharged tone and mood of the last time Liverpool introduced a new coach.

As it turned out, Slot’s opening pitch was precisely as intended as he introduced himself in his Liverpool training gear and sought long-term judgment for his team’s performances rather than capacity to deliver instantly memorable sound bites.

Given the charisma, popularity and status of the previous incumbent, Slot’s pitch to take office as Liverpool’s ‘change-as-little-as-possible’ candidate could not possibly get the pulses racing in the same manner as a saviour flying into town early season to resuscitate fallen giants, as was the case in 2015.

Liverpool are in a different place. Now the doubters who became believers are being urged to keep believing.

“They are big shoes to fill,” Slot admitted during one of the many questions referencing the scale of the task in replacing Klopp.

“But I also inherit a squad that has a winning culture. We have a really good squad and I want to work with good players with an opportunity to win something. There is a possibility of that at Liverpool.”

The first thankless task for Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes, who sat alongside the coach in what felt like a purposely low-key launch of the club’s new critically important working relationship, was striking the right balance between being respectful and reverential to the last nine years, but not deferential.

Liverpool desperately want to move on from the Klopp era now. They are hoping for the same appetite to do so externally, but realise it will need time and results before Slot can impose his own personality and voice. The setting and the timing of Slot’s formal unveiling was a recognition that nothing can ever be quite like it was, and an acknowledgement that not every press briefing needs to be an event in itself.

In October 2015, Klopp was introduced to a packed executive lounge in Anfield’s Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand, global media representatives in attendance as the suited German made those unforgettable pronouncements, including being “the normal one”. Klopp was always first and foremost a football man, but that day was pure showbiz, too.

There was no such razzamatazz in the more modest, congested surroundings of the AXA Training centre press conference room on Friday morning, where Slot arrived ready to take a session with the young players who have reported for pre-season.

Liverpool would also have been aware that media big-hitters who hungered for a seat at Klopp’s unveiling in 2015 were otherwise engaged at Euro 2024, Wimbledon or outside Downing Street this time. This made for a gentler introduction for Slot, his backroom staff taking up some of the empty seats at the back of the room while he reassured he was here to modify rather than rip up Klopp’s blueprint.

The main takeaways are that Liverpool are seeking mild alterations rather than a major revamp to the side which finished third last season. Do not anticipate many planned changes to their squad this summer, or a flurry of new signings.

Hughes suggested the star players with a year left on their contracts – such as Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and Trent Alexander-Arnold – are committed for the new season whether they pen new terms or not.

“The only concern I and Arne have about situations is total commitment from the players to the cause for next season and we are absolutely convinced that will be the case,” said Hughes.

Slot said his main reason for joining Liverpool was the realisation he would be given the chance to execute his vision for the side. There was an obvious echo of Klopp’s laments about his Borussia Dortmund career when suggesting he would relish the security of knowing when he builds a successful team, predators will not lure away his best talent.

“It will take some time to understand everything, but the way I am going to use my time in the upcoming weeks is of course to make the team and players in the best possible way for us to be ready for the first game,” said Slot.

“I don’t want to take words out of Richard’s mouth, but I think one of the reasons why he came to me was that our playing style is not so different [to Klopp].

“We both like the fans to come into the stadium and see a team that plays with a lot of energy, that plays good football. That is the thing I am focused on most. If we do that in the best possible way it will probably give me some time as well and if I have time then I can get to know the city a bit better. But it all starts with improving the team and winning as many games as we can.”

As press conferences for a new managerial appointment go, this really did feel like a ‘normal one’.

“Hopefully it will lead to special things,” said Slot.