Was Klopp's 'physical base' responsible for Slot's strong start at Liverpool?

When Arne Slot joined Liverpool, he brought a fresh approach.

Surprisingly, the Reds did not look for a like-for-like replacement when Jurgen Klopp left and, as Liverpool began to win games under Slot, this felt refreshing for fans and players alike.

The Dutch manager's more controlled approach was a clear change to Klopp's 'heavy-metal' style of play, instead opting for slower possession and less intense pressure off the ball.

Part of Slot's appeal to Liverpool's decision makers during their manager search could have been the fact he ranked second for keeping his players fit. Interestingly, it was only Ruben Amorim's Sporting that ranked higher.

Both Slot's tactics and the training methods he used would have contributed to this and Liverpool's ability to keep players sharp and fit throughout last season was a major reason behind them winning the league.

Sessions under Slot are not as intense as they were under Klopp, tailored instead to specific players and the demands of Liverpool's schedule.

This season, however, Liverpool have not had the same luck with injuries as they did last term. They have also consistently struggled to see games out.

After a 1-1 draw against Burnley in January, Virgil van Dijk said: "After 60 minutes, we started to become sloppy and it's not the first time. We have to address that."

As positive as Slot's changes were in his first season, there is a possibility that they were so effective because they were stacked upon the physical base that Klopp had built through an approach that might be considered too strenuous on its own.

For a team to succeed, tactics and the skillset of the squad have to be considered together. Simply put, a team's style has to suit their players.

Click here to read more tactical analysis of why Liverpool may be starting to struggle under Slot