Great analysis as usual Josh! We can only get behind the new man and pray he adapts well to the team and vice versa! Will you be doing an analysis of which positions Edwards & Co could possibly consider getting in the summer ( and also selling) or are we likely to build on the current team including the youth.
Good to hear he’s good in the stats. I watched a bit of Feyenoord in the CL against both Celtic and Lazio at home and they looked very good.
I just hope fans expectations aren’t too high at the start. Our duff end to the season should help in that regard. Taking over an all-conquering team would have been much much harder.
Next season I just want to see a clear style of play, retain a CL spot, and more progress for the young players. Trophies would be nice but can wait as long as we see what he’s about and show signs of an end game.
One observation about the coach vs. manager difference is that Jurgen got burned-out doing the lot. Looking at the photos from the day he arrived to the last few weeks it has taken its toll on him.The club is in a much better condition than it was when Jurgen arrived. This will enable the new coach to focus on the players and the team. Come June once we have all paid our respect and expressed our gratitude to Jurgen, however we manage to do that, we can all start to look forward. We are all heading into the unknown, including Arne Slot.
First, I hope it gets corrected early if his name is pronounced Slot or Shlot. I think it's the latter.
Second, regarding what you said:
> Feyenoord look really good, but this is only the Eredivisie
I would like for this claim to be explained, because I don't really understand it when it comes to teams. This is certainly valid when it comes to a player. A winger putting great numbers against Eredivisie defenders can't be expected to put the same number against PL (better) defenders.
But, for a team (and by extension a manager), I don't think the weakness of lower-half Eredivisie teams compared to lower-half PL teams is the correct measurement.
If Feyenoord dominate those lower-half teams, Liverpool (on good days) also dominate lower-half PL teams, because Liverpool squad are that much better.
Instead, the measurement should be about the difference in quality between, say, Feyenoord-to-AlmereCity and Liverpool-to-Fulham.
It could very well be that the PL difference in quality is smaller than that of the Eredivisie, but I'm not sure it's that much closer.
Slot will have new challenges, like handling players of certain status, but that's different.
I'd like to know what people exactly mean by the Eredivisie isn't comparable to PL.
It's a good point. His tactical approach should translate, and although he'll be facing better players, he'll also be managing better players, so it levels out. I don't disagree and I see the logic, but it's still going to be interesting.
Containing mid-table Eredivisie sides for 90 minutes is relatively easy because none of those teams can field expensive dribblers with amazing individual quality. In the Premier League, that isn't the case. Lots of mid-table players are incredible, so they can find solutions. I think Slot might have to show his opponents more respect in a tactical sense in England compared to the Netherlands.
Excellent post, Josh. It has been quite tough reading so much doom and gloom around Liverpool's recent difficulties and people's decisions to write everybody associated with the club off. Therefore, coming across an article that is not only understanding of the current circumstances, but willing and eager to extract optimism is refreshing. I don't blame anyone for being nervous about the next chapter, that's normal, but as you mentioned, the cogs in the Liverpool machine are setup nicely and that's all we can ask for. Especially during such a pivotal transition. Lastly, as for Slot himself, he has a huge challenge ahead of him, but he's proven that he deserves an opportunity like this. Every top manager has had to work their way up (Even Klopp did it). It just so happens to be that with our current situation and the pool of manages on the market, it's Liverpool who are giving Slot that chance to step up into the big leagues. Fair play. I'm backing him.
One common thread throughout your analysis is that Feyenoord have been great, but PSV have been better. So I'm wondering if you've got any insights as to why Liverpool didn't go for Bosz instead? Does he play too different a brand of football to the Reds?
I had a feeling somebody would ask this. I'm not sure tbh, but I know his stint at Borussia Dortmund wasn't very good. I don't know enough about his story as a manager. Slot is newer on the scene.
Great piece Josh. The data you shared + other publicly available info on Slot make it easy to see the fit between Feyenoord's playing philosophy under Slot and that of Liverpool under Jurgen. This fit should make for a less disruptive transition when compared to other candidates with different philosophies.
It's the latter part of your piece that is the more interesting topic. That is, Edwards/Hughes/FSG seem to be betting on a strategy oriented on "club structure" vs. "best manager" (Tuchel). While we're not privy to all of the details behind-the-scenes, it seems clear that they are undertaking a strategy like a more well-funded version of Brighton's model. A data-driven best practice oriented around core playing principles from academy to first team in all of the key club functions especially: player contracts, recruitment, player development, fitness, medical & opposition analysis. A "machine".
Such a "club structure" strategy would also dock into their planned multi-club model. Imagine FSG purchasing a smaller club in Portugal (enabling them to recruit talent from Portugal & South America) and/or a smaller club in France or Belgium (enabling a focus on talent in France, Belgium & most of Africa). This multi-club model enables them to recruit players at lower costs but, more importantly, to reduce the risks of recruiting new players to LFC because they'll have more data on the players under contract in these new clubs + monitor other players competing in these leagues more closely vs. the occasional scouting trip + data-only.
This "club structure" strategy should enable them to compete in a financially sustainable way over the long term. However, it's not clear that this approach, in the absence of a great manager, will win you titles in EPL or UCL. It's gonna be interesting to watch.
Hi Josh. I have a very nerdy thought question for you, if of interest I would love to hear your thoughts - Do the metrics used in analysis get checked regularly? i.e. Is the way an expected goal calculated checked against actual goals to see if the metric needs to be adjusted. Is a standard 0.5 xg the same now as it was 5 years ago, or do the way this is assessed need to be adjusted as the game has changed? Hope that kind of makes sense and you have some thoughts on it. Haven't read your book yet so will be interested to see if addressed in there when it comes. Thanks for the great work, really enjoying following you. Ari
Great analysis as usual Josh! We can only get behind the new man and pray he adapts well to the team and vice versa! Will you be doing an analysis of which positions Edwards & Co could possibly consider getting in the summer ( and also selling) or are we likely to build on the current team including the youth.
Thanks Genevieve.
Good to hear he’s good in the stats. I watched a bit of Feyenoord in the CL against both Celtic and Lazio at home and they looked very good.
I just hope fans expectations aren’t too high at the start. Our duff end to the season should help in that regard. Taking over an all-conquering team would have been much much harder.
Next season I just want to see a clear style of play, retain a CL spot, and more progress for the young players. Trophies would be nice but can wait as long as we see what he’s about and show signs of an end game.
One observation about the coach vs. manager difference is that Jurgen got burned-out doing the lot. Looking at the photos from the day he arrived to the last few weeks it has taken its toll on him.The club is in a much better condition than it was when Jurgen arrived. This will enable the new coach to focus on the players and the team. Come June once we have all paid our respect and expressed our gratitude to Jurgen, however we manage to do that, we can all start to look forward. We are all heading into the unknown, including Arne Slot.
Up the Reds.
Klopp has done 9 years… crazy length.. he was gonna burn out no matter what
Great analysis. Thanks for your work. 🙏👍
Cheers Brad.
Great article, thank you!
First, I hope it gets corrected early if his name is pronounced Slot or Shlot. I think it's the latter.
Second, regarding what you said:
> Feyenoord look really good, but this is only the Eredivisie
I would like for this claim to be explained, because I don't really understand it when it comes to teams. This is certainly valid when it comes to a player. A winger putting great numbers against Eredivisie defenders can't be expected to put the same number against PL (better) defenders.
But, for a team (and by extension a manager), I don't think the weakness of lower-half Eredivisie teams compared to lower-half PL teams is the correct measurement.
If Feyenoord dominate those lower-half teams, Liverpool (on good days) also dominate lower-half PL teams, because Liverpool squad are that much better.
Instead, the measurement should be about the difference in quality between, say, Feyenoord-to-AlmereCity and Liverpool-to-Fulham.
It could very well be that the PL difference in quality is smaller than that of the Eredivisie, but I'm not sure it's that much closer.
Slot will have new challenges, like handling players of certain status, but that's different.
I'd like to know what people exactly mean by the Eredivisie isn't comparable to PL.
thanks again!
It's a good point. His tactical approach should translate, and although he'll be facing better players, he'll also be managing better players, so it levels out. I don't disagree and I see the logic, but it's still going to be interesting.
Containing mid-table Eredivisie sides for 90 minutes is relatively easy because none of those teams can field expensive dribblers with amazing individual quality. In the Premier League, that isn't the case. Lots of mid-table players are incredible, so they can find solutions. I think Slot might have to show his opponents more respect in a tactical sense in England compared to the Netherlands.
Excellent post, Josh. It has been quite tough reading so much doom and gloom around Liverpool's recent difficulties and people's decisions to write everybody associated with the club off. Therefore, coming across an article that is not only understanding of the current circumstances, but willing and eager to extract optimism is refreshing. I don't blame anyone for being nervous about the next chapter, that's normal, but as you mentioned, the cogs in the Liverpool machine are setup nicely and that's all we can ask for. Especially during such a pivotal transition. Lastly, as for Slot himself, he has a huge challenge ahead of him, but he's proven that he deserves an opportunity like this. Every top manager has had to work their way up (Even Klopp did it). It just so happens to be that with our current situation and the pool of manages on the market, it's Liverpool who are giving Slot that chance to step up into the big leagues. Fair play. I'm backing him.
Thanks Daniel, agreed mate. As an isolated decision, I can absolutely see logic, even if he isn't a marquee name.
Great read josh
Cheers mate 👍
Nice one Dave.
One common thread throughout your analysis is that Feyenoord have been great, but PSV have been better. So I'm wondering if you've got any insights as to why Liverpool didn't go for Bosz instead? Does he play too different a brand of football to the Reds?
I had a feeling somebody would ask this. I'm not sure tbh, but I know his stint at Borussia Dortmund wasn't very good. I don't know enough about his story as a manager. Slot is newer on the scene.
Great piece Josh. The data you shared + other publicly available info on Slot make it easy to see the fit between Feyenoord's playing philosophy under Slot and that of Liverpool under Jurgen. This fit should make for a less disruptive transition when compared to other candidates with different philosophies.
It's the latter part of your piece that is the more interesting topic. That is, Edwards/Hughes/FSG seem to be betting on a strategy oriented on "club structure" vs. "best manager" (Tuchel). While we're not privy to all of the details behind-the-scenes, it seems clear that they are undertaking a strategy like a more well-funded version of Brighton's model. A data-driven best practice oriented around core playing principles from academy to first team in all of the key club functions especially: player contracts, recruitment, player development, fitness, medical & opposition analysis. A "machine".
Such a "club structure" strategy would also dock into their planned multi-club model. Imagine FSG purchasing a smaller club in Portugal (enabling them to recruit talent from Portugal & South America) and/or a smaller club in France or Belgium (enabling a focus on talent in France, Belgium & most of Africa). This multi-club model enables them to recruit players at lower costs but, more importantly, to reduce the risks of recruiting new players to LFC because they'll have more data on the players under contract in these new clubs + monitor other players competing in these leagues more closely vs. the occasional scouting trip + data-only.
This "club structure" strategy should enable them to compete in a financially sustainable way over the long term. However, it's not clear that this approach, in the absence of a great manager, will win you titles in EPL or UCL. It's gonna be interesting to watch.
Thanks Stephen. Agreed, some great points there.
Hi Josh. I have a very nerdy thought question for you, if of interest I would love to hear your thoughts - Do the metrics used in analysis get checked regularly? i.e. Is the way an expected goal calculated checked against actual goals to see if the metric needs to be adjusted. Is a standard 0.5 xg the same now as it was 5 years ago, or do the way this is assessed need to be adjusted as the game has changed? Hope that kind of makes sense and you have some thoughts on it. Haven't read your book yet so will be interested to see if addressed in there when it comes. Thanks for the great work, really enjoying following you. Ari