No histrionics on the touchline when decisions have not gone his way, and no raising his fist in front of the Kop to get fans excited after a home victory. Compared to Jurgen Klopp, Arne Slot appears to have a very distinct personality.
Even though they are under new management, Liverpool’s commercial practices have not changed, and the Reds might have a fantastic season.
With the former Feyenoord coach in charge, there were concerns that they might take some time to get used to his style of coaching. However, Liverpool proved that they were ready for Premier League action, winning their opening-round match at Ipswich before taking all three points against Brentford at home after defeating Arsenal and United during their preseason trip to the States.
They did so by scoring two goals in each game and keeping a clean sheet in both matches and although the opposition isn’t of the highest quality in the top flight, they have been highly efficient and easy on the eye.
The lack of business in the transfer market isn’t too much of a concern as there is depth to Slot’s squad, although there must be some worries about the long-term future with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk all entering the final year of their contracts.
Expectations are always high at Anfield and as long as the status of the three foundations does not become a huge distraction, the Reds should excel and could easily retain their grip on the Carabao Cup.
They have won twice in the last three years, with victories over Chelsea both last term and two years before that.
In fact, it is 11 years since the first silverware of the season was won by a club other than Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City or Chelsea with Swansea being the last team to break the mould when they beat Bradford 5-0 in a one-sided affair in 2013.
Premier League clubs not involved in Europe this season enter the competition when the second round is held this week and there will be plenty of punters placing bets on the likes of Brighton, Newcastle and West Ham to win the Wembley final.
But the big guns really do take this seriously and Liverpool could give Slot something to get excited about by lifting the trophy at 10/1 with William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and many others.
- Jack Draper can put the controversy surrounding his victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Cincinnati Open behind him by making a strong start at the US Open in New York. The British No.1 is 3/1 with Ladbrokes, Coral and BoyleSports to win three sets to one over Zhang Zhizhen in his opening match.
- Fulham, Middlesbrough, Sheffield United and Watford form Tuesday’s Carabao Cup acca.