Arne Slot Pays Tribute to Jurgen Klopp as Liverpool Clinch Premier League Title

Arne Slot expressed heartfelt gratitude to Jurgen Klopp moments after leading Liverpool to their record-equalling 20th top-flight title with a 5-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

Slot, who succeeded Klopp last summer, made history by becoming the first Dutch manager to win the Premier League. Speaking to LFCTV, Slot shared,
“It feels great. I don’t think I want to say a lot. The only thing now is to send my appreciation to Jurgen Klopp.”

He then broke into a rendition of the song Klopp had requested Liverpool fans to sing after his final match in charge, swapping ‘Arne Slot’ with ‘Jurgen Klopp’ in the lyrics.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day, Slot added,
“I am 99.9% sure that if I pick up my phone there will be a message from Jurgen. So many moments in the season the two of us have had contact. I think he showed last season what a wonderful human being he is by introducing me. But what mattered most is the team he left behind that was able to win the trophy.”

Slot also praised the foundation left by Klopp and Pep Lijnders during an interview with Sky Sports, saying,
“The work Jurgen and Pep [Lijnders] did – the culture, work-rate, quality – was outstanding.”

Few anticipated Slot leading Liverpool to title success in his debut season. Reflecting on this achievement, he said,
“We started really well and maybe it helped that [Manchester] City had a difficult spell that they have not had in five years. When the season started, we would have been happy with top four. But I don’t think that is fair on the players as they are much better than that and they have shown it this season.”

Even after Dominic Solanke gave Spurs an early lead, Slot was confident his side would prevail:
“I think from the moment we arrived on the bus everyone could feel that we were never going to lose this game. The fans were so supportive before and during the game. Even at 1-0 down you felt this team and the fans could get it over the line,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

Slot continued to LFCTV,
“They always find a way to win. I’m incredibly proud, not only of the players but the people standing here, sport directors, my staff members, we should give them a big round of applause. Let’s forget it’s the second title in 35 years… it’s the second in five years.”

Fans Witness Glory at Anfield

Liverpool’s last Premier League title came five years ago under Klopp during the pandemic, with no fans allowed at Anfield. This time, the celebration was truly special.

Mohamed Salah shared his emotions with BBC Sport:
“It’s special to win it at Anfield – it’s very difficult to describe. Everyone wanted Palace to finish it [at Arsenal on Wednesday], but I know what Anfield is like, so I’m glad we did it here. It’s completely different [to the title in 2020]. The feeling is unbelievable. The first time was lockdown and the pandemic, but to be here five years later is incredible.”

Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah added,
“This is 100% better than last time.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk, the first non-British player to lead Liverpool to a top-flight title, dedicated the win to the fans.
“I was desperate to win it for them [the fans] and all the fans around the world, and for us as well,” he told Sky Sports.
“This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it in.”

Veteran left-back Andy Robertson, who also played a vital role in the 2019-20 triumph, reflected on the experience, telling Sky Sports:
“Last time [we won the league in 2020] was a strange time. It was unique the way we did it. We enjoyed it of course but you cannot beat what we experienced today. Nothing compares to that. It is special. For me, when I came to this club I quickly realised how good Scottish players have been here. There is a bit of pressure with that. I am glad I managed to continue that and hopefully can carry that forward.”

Mac Allister, Salah Reflect on Achievements

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, who lifted the World Cup with Argentina in 2022 before joining Liverpool, described this victory as another milestone in his career:
“To win a World Cup and now a Premier League is really special. But it would not be possible without my team-mates. I am just one part of the puzzle. This team has been really good the last two years. It wasn’t enough last year but this year we made a big difference. Hopefully we can enjoy this week.”

Despite ongoing speculation regarding his future throughout the season, Salah continued to shine, netting his 28th goal of the season during the Spurs clash and registering 18 assists.

Reflecting on his contribution, he told BBC Match of the Day:
“It’s incredible. Winning the Premier League and having the impact I’ve had is incredible. For me, this [title] feels more special. Jurgen [Klopp] is not here and other players I respect a lot are not here, but to do it with a new manager and a new team shows what I’m capable of.”

With his new two-year contract signed earlier this month, Salah remains optimistic about Liverpool’s future, despite acknowledging the challenges ahead:
“People think it’s going to get easier, but now it’s going to be difficult because other teams will catch us and it’s going to be harder for him [Slot]. Even in my time here, the second season was way harder. I believe next season and the year after will be great, for sure.”

Slot shares that belief, telling BBC Match of the Day:
“That is something we are definitely going to try [to defend the title]. But first we are going to enjoy the last few games.”