Liverpool have taken the next step on their quest for Champions League glory, but they might just need Arne Slot to get there.
Win, lose or draw, there are going to be those calling for the dismissal of Liverpool’s current manager.
Slot described removing the noise as impossible, but that’s the task that’s in front of him.
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The Premier League title race has all but slipped away, but Europe presents an opportunity to put a positive spin on a so-far disappointing campaign — and there might be no better man for the job.
Slot is backing Liverpool for a top-four finish. Where do you think the Reds will end 25/26?
Slot predicted Liverpool will earn Champions League football in his pre-Bournemouth press conference!
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Arne Slot statistically the best manager to win Liverpool the Champions League
Opinion will likely be split on Slot for the rest of the season, but winning Liverpool their seventh Champions League title would surely put the conversation to bed.
If you look at domestic form, it’s a fantastical notion. But Liverpool have been one of the best sides in Europe’s top competition.
And Slot has been the best manager, at least by the numbers.
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His win rate of 77.7% is the best of any manager at a single club in the history of the Champions League (min 10 games).
Of course, it’s a small sample size, and this fact alone doesn’t mean Liverpool are favourites for the trophy — but it does offer encouragement.
Slot vs Europe’s biggest clubs
No one is sitting here trying to excuse some of the dreadful results we’ve been forced to witness under the Dutchman this season.
But the knockouts contain only the best competition, and that plays into Slot’s hands. There’s a reason Liverpool are fifth favourites to win the Champions League.
Who is your ideal last-16 opponent and who do you want to avoid?
Liverpool’s four potential Champions League opponents have been confirmed
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Ahmad Mora/Alex Bierens de Haan/UEFA/Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Stefano Guidi
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Looking at how Liverpool have fared against top European sides during his reign:
- Atletico Madrid – 3-2
- Real Madrid – 2-0, 1-0
- Inter Milan – 1-0
- PSG – 1-1 (agg)
- AC Milan – 3-1
The losses have, more often than not, been at the hands of that second tier of Champions League competitors.
The difference in style of play from the Premier League works in Liverpool’s favour. With little else to hope for, we should feel optimistic about Slot’s ability to go deep in this year’s competition.
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