Jurgen Klopp message to Arne Slot speaks volumes about tough job at hand

Arne Slot can't be expected to better Jurgen Klopp's third-place finish last season in his first campaign at Anfield, according to Graeme Souness. Liverpool kicked off their new era with an impressive 2-0 victory at Ipswich Town on the opening weekend.

He of course has a long way to go before matching the achievements of his predecessor. In Klopp's final season at the helm, the German arguably overachieved by leading a title challenge which fell away down the final straight, although a return to the Champions League was secured.

As the transfer window ticks down, with Slot still to make his first signing, it's evident that the squad needs bolstering if it is to compete on all fronts. However, Reds icon Souness has set the bar high for Slot's first season, setting out his expectations on William Hill's new Three Up Front podcast with Simon Jordan and Troy Deeney.

"Finishing in the top four should be the bare minimum for Arne Slot this season," said Souness. "Having a proper go at the Champions League and reaching the semi-final, as well as a good campaign in the Premier League, should be his target."

Souness highlighted the big shoes Slot has to fill and referenced Klopp's achievements last season, which also included winning the Carabao Cup. The Scot said: "Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool came third last year and everyone said what a fabulous manager he was and the tune he got out of those players. He got the maximum out of those players and still finished third.

"I think Arne Slot still needs to strengthen in certain areas because if Klopp couldn't do it with the same group of players, then are they going to finish any better than third? I don't think so.

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"Last season I thought the next manager after Klopp was walking into the dream situation. I don't think it's as dreamy anymore. They didn't put their foot to the floor last season when it really mattered and they had a Premier League title to win with 10 games to go. The job is still great and Slot will walk into a dressing room full of energy with life in it, but it's not quite as dreamy as it was."

The Reds are the only Premier League team yet to bring anyone in after their pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was ended when the Spain international rejected a move to Anfield. Centre-back Joel Matip, midfielder Thiago Alcantara and second-choice goalkeeper Adrian all left the club at the end of their contracts, while Fabio Carvalho was sold to Brentford.

Slot is confident progress can be made with the quality of the squad he inherited. He has not ruled out sporting director Richard Hughes coming up with a signing before the end of the window, with Giorgi Mamardashvili, Marc Guehi and now Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite being linked with moves to Anfield.

“I’ve said many times already our squad is really strong and it’s not easy to find players who can help us or strengthen the squad,” Scot said last week. Zubimendi was one of them to be fair but he decided not to come. We go forward with the ones we have. We are in a good place.

“In the background, Richard is trying to strengthen the squad as he can. Unfortunately, Zubimendi decided not to come. He did every effort and tried everything to bring him in but if a player doesn’t want to come, it’s obvious he’s not coming.”