Liverpool manager Arne Slot is currently navigating his first significant challenge at Anfield, but this isn't the first time the Dutch coach has faced adversity. His former assistant has revealed how Slot's difficult period at Feyenoord provides a blueprint for Liverpool's potential revival.
The Summer of Struggle at Feyenoord
Just over five weeks after Feyenoord's narrow Conference League final defeat to Roma in 2022, the Dutch club suffered a humiliating 7-0 home defeat by Copenhagen in their first pre-season friendly. The scoreline was so brutal that Copenhagen's coach Jess Thorup described it as more like "a training session than an actual friendly match."
Marino Pusic, Slot's assistant at both Feyenoord and AZ Alkmaar, recalls the period vividly. "I can remember it like yesterday," Pusic says. "The score could have been even higher – that says enough." The troubles continued with a 4-0 loss to Union Saint-Gilloise and further defeats against Lyon and Osasuna.
This difficult summer came after Feyenoord had lost seven starters from their European final team, creating what seemed like a complete rebuild for Slot. Yet remarkably, despite this disastrous pre-season, Feyenoord went on to win the Eredivisie title that same campaign.
Parallels With Liverpool's Current Situation
Liverpool's recent 3-0 defeat to Manchester City marked their seventh loss in ten matches, creating concerns about Slot's ability to manage through difficult periods. However, Pusic believes his former boss possesses exactly the qualities needed to turn around Liverpool's season.
"It was worrying," Pusic admits about Feyenoord's summer struggles. "But once you recognise the cause, you know how to act and turn it around. Throughout the process we stayed cool, no unnecessary emotions. Arne is brilliant at that: he keeps a clear head, analyses things deeply and turns conclusions into action."
Pusic identifies several key factors affecting Liverpool's current form. The integration of several summer signings has disrupted team dynamics, while the tragic death of Diogo Jota has had a profound emotional impact on the squad.
"Diogo was incredibly important for them, both on and off the pitch," Pusic explains. "He was a teammate but also a close friend to many players. It has a huge impact on everyone at the club, especially the squad. During the season, these things may fade a bit into the background, but they linger, and at difficult moments they can resurface."
The Method Behind Slot's Management
Slot's approach combines detailed analysis with strong personal relationships. In his book 'Het beste van jezelf' (The best of yourself), Slot explained his methods: "I'm constantly thinking about how we can further improve. For example, by finding out how our next opponent applies pressure and how we could deal with that."
Pusic emphasises that Slot's analytical nature doesn't preclude emotional intelligence. "He is very adept at analysing them and being honest about them. He is genuine, tells it exactly how it is."
This isn't the first challenging period in Slot's managerial career. During his second season with AZ Alkmaar, the team drew their first five games despite having finished the previous COVID-affected season second only on goal difference to Ajax. "That brought pressure with it," Pusic recalls, "but it's not comparable with the scrutiny at the top of the Premier League."
Despite Liverpool's current difficulties, Pusic remains confident in Slot's abilities. "Everyone goes through periods like that. The question is: what core qualities do you have to get through them more quickly? In that respect, being able to stay composed under pressure is crucial and Arne has that ability."
As Liverpool prepare to face Nottingham Forest, the lessons from Feyenoord's remarkable turnaround from pre-season disaster to league champions offer hope that Slot can once again demonstrate his capacity for revival.
