Liverpool’s change of management last summer has given them a new lease of life that few saw coming. After nine-and-a-half years of Jurgen Klopp’s riveting football and titanic personality, the consensus was generally that Liverpool would need a bedding-in period before their new manager could start competing for titles.

Then came Arne Slot. Since arriving on Merseyside from Rotterdam, the former Feyenoord boss has made a mockery of the supposedly mammoth task of following in his successor’s footsteps.

But how has he managed it? And more specifically, what have been the key tweaks and changes from Klopp to Slot? We looked at what the stats say…

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Control over Chaos

Much of the narrative since Slot’s arrival has surrounded his more measured tactical approach in comparison with Klopp’s famous 'heavy metal football' - and this is unsurprisingly reflected in the numbers.

Out of possession, Liverpool have become less active. Their ball recoveries per game in the Premier League has dropped from 60 to 48, when comparing last season to this one, showing a clear change in pressing strategy.

The number of passes the Reds allow their opposition before making a defensive action - known as PPDA - has increased by 20%, also indicating a lower intensity.

Their in-possession numbers highlight similar changes. Liverpool’s average percentage of possession has dropped from 62 to 57, showing Slot’s lack of concern about dominating every phase of the game.

Instead, he is focused on making the most of the ball when his team do have it.

Efficiency

Much of Klopp’s pressing principles continued into his in-possession play, where his numbers also differ from his successor.

This season, the Reds have averaged more than four shots fewer per game than in Klopp’s final campaign. Despite this, their average expected goals (xG) has been almost identical, at 2.43 compared to last season’s 2.45.

This is a credit to the efficiency of Slot’s football - Liverpool are creating more valuable chances with less of the ball.

Wataru Endo indicated as much after the 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley in January, saying: “I think the new manager is more stable. He likes the players to stay in their positions how he wants, and that’s different.”

Crucially, the Reds' defensive numbers have improved as a result.

Liverpool’s average xG conceded has dropped from 1.24 to 0.99, evidence that they are a harder team to face under Slot, despite a less intense approach.

Only Arsenal have posted better defensive numbers than the runaway leaders in the Premier League this season.

The right side

Much debate surrounded Trent Alexander-Arnold during Klopp’s reign. After breaking through as an overlapping full-back, the academy graduate found his role being experimented with during Klopp’s later years.

In his first and potentially only season working with Slot, the England international has spent much less time in the centre of the pitch, averaging 12 fewer touches per game.

Instead, he has been told to focus forward. Despite seeing less off the ball overall, his average touches in the attacking third have seen a slight increase.

And Trent’s increased presence in wide, attacking areas has proved fertile ground for Mohamed Salah to have what could be the best season of his career.

The Egyptian’s average number of successful take-ons has almost doubled, from 0.96 to 1.82. He has also enjoyed an increase in successful dribbles, fouls drawn and touches in the opposition penalty area – and ultimately, goals and assists.

Ryan Gravenberch’s role in the equation must also be noted, with the midfielder occupying positions in the build-up that were previously assigned to Alexander-Arnold under Klopp.

Slot’s tweaks to how Liverpool’s key players are used has made a significant difference to their output - as a result, a stunning Premier League title win is seemingly on the horizon.

*Data via FBref, understat and Sofascore