Alan Shearer is interviewed during the Premier League Hall of Fame 2024 Inductions event at HERE at Outernet on April 23, 2024 in London, England.
Liverpool has got the Arne Slot era properly underway, overcoming its first Premier League test against Ipswich Town. Prior to that. Alan Shearer made his prediction for the campaign based on what he saw ahead of the opening day.
It was a productive preseason for Slot, who recorded wins over Arsenal and Manchester United during the tour of the United States. There have already been signs of a slight change in style, with Liverpool favoring a more patient, possession-based approach.
Even so, following on from Jurgen Klopp is a daunting prospect. Shearer is acutely aware of that, although he still thinks Slot will secure a respectable finish in his debut league campaign.
"Liverpool haven't signed anyone yet but from what I've seen throughout pre-season, it'll be difficult for Slot to go in there after Jurgen Klopp and what he did for Liverpool," Shearer told Betfair. "But it is interesting to see the energy he looks to play with.
"Having said that, they've got the balance of a really good team already and with a couple of additions. I think Arne Slot will deliver Champions League football."
Without being naive to the challenge facing him, Slot will be going into the campaign with bigger ambitions than that. Any Liverpool head coach has to start the season aiming to challenge for the very top honors.
That being said, Champions League qualification would represent a pretty solid debut campaign, given the enormity of losing Klopp. Coupled with good showings in the cups, few would be complaining.
Slot got off to a winning start against Ipswich. Liverpool made fairly heavy work of things in the first 45 minutes, with a clear step up in intensity compared to the preseason triumphs, but got a hold of the fixture in the second half.
Goals from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah put the Tractor Boys to bed. And in truth, it could have been a lot more, as Slot's vision for how he wants the side to play really started to shine through.
Liverpool's next test comes against Brentford, before a massive clash with Manchester United. Slot would be more than happy with a repeat of the 3-0 preseason scoreline.