Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate has revealed that manager Arne Slot set high expectations for his team last summer, insisting they had a “big chance” to win the Premier League title this season.
Slot, who replaced Jurgen Klopp in July 2024, led Liverpool to their 20th English top-flight title on Sunday with a commanding 5-1 victory over Tottenham at Anfield. The triumph ended Manchester City’s dominance of the league, with Slot’s side securing the title with four games to spare.
Konate, reflecting on the season, said: “Just before we started the season, he showed us why we didn’t win the league the year before, some details, and he said if we change that and improve on that we have a big chance to win the league. And that’s what we’ve done since the start of the season. We have to be happy.”
Slot’s approach saw a shift from Klopp’s aggressive pressing style to a more controlled, possession-based game, a change that ultimately paid off as Liverpool cruised to the title.
Despite his success, Slot celebrated in a typically modest fashion on the pitch after the victory. Konate praised his manager’s humility: “I saw him on the pitch and he didn’t really want to take the praise, he walked behind us and it’s crazy to be humble like that. OK, we are on the pitch and we run and do everything, but he has done a lot as well for us. Thanks to him, thanks to the fans.”
