Neil Mellor says Liverpool deserves credit for the “seamless transition” between the Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot eras, which helped the Reds earn a first Premier League crown since 2020.
Few expected Liverpool – who finished nine points off the summit last season – to improve following the departure of their long-term manager in the summer. But Slot’s start to life in England has been outstanding and he last week wrapped up a record-equalling league title in his maiden year in the Premier League.
In doing so, he became just the fifth coach to achieve that feat, along with Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini and Antonio Conte, and Slot has already equalled the number of titles secured by his predecessor.
Liverpool’s title success is made even more remarkable by the fact Slot is essentially working with the squad he inherited from Klopp – and Mellor feels the team’s ability to adapt this season is credit to the players and the club. The 42-year-old is well placed to offer insight into the inner workings of Anfield, with Mellor a regular contributor to Liverpool’s matchday media team and is often spotted around the club’s AXA Training Centre. In his eyes, the Reds have overcome all the obstacles put in front of them this season, unlike their rivals.
“What you would say is the credit is deserved for Arne Slot because of how well he’s settled in, and the players for taking to him,” Mellor told Liverpool.com, at a charity golf day to raise funds for the North-West Air Ambulance Charity.
“So it’s been a really positive season for Liverpool. It started well with Arne; Liverpool got into a good position and people will say [Manchester] City and Arsenal haven’t been there, but Liverpool have.
“Liverpool have been the best, Liverpool have been the most consistent and there haven’t been negative stories about Jurgen leaving or the players out of contract. So it’s been a real feel-good factor throughout the season when there could have been plenty of opportunities to have excuses. It’s a brilliant season for Liverpool, a memorable season.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Slot has often referenced the efficient FSG framework he works under at Liverpool and the excellent foundations laid by Klopp. It meant the Dutchman found it easier than expected to pick up the reins last summer.
“What I would say is the club was in a great place anyway,” said Mellor. “We’ve been challenging for the biggest trophies for a number of years and the squad was really healthy. But you never know how they’ll adjust to the new coach and new manager.
“So it’s credit to the players and the fans for taking to him and getting behind him, and the results have followed. Liverpool’s been a great football club to be around in recent years and this year’s been no different.
“It has been a seamless transition, which so many big clubs have struggled with. You think of [Arsene] Wenger at Arsenal, [Sir Alex] Ferguson at United, big teams have struggled when big characters have left. Jurgen Klopp’s left but Liverpool have maintained the levels.”
Mellor was speaking at the Worldwide Hospitality Group Golf Day, in aid of the North-West Air Ambulance Charity
“Golf’s a great event to bring people together to enjoy it but also raise funds and awareness as well because some people wouldn’t be aware of the importance of raising money,” said the former striker. “They just assume these charities have the money but they don’t, that they need days like today to help raise funds.”
