I’ve observed Arne Slot in the Liverpool dugout, and it’s evident how the players respond to him.

John Arne Riise has praised Arne Slot’s composed demeanor as a key factor in Liverpool’s impressive season. The Dutchman has guided the team to a six-point lead at the top of the Premier League, which was reinforced by a 2-0 victory over Bournemouth. This lead could extend to nine points if Liverpool defeats Everton in the rescheduled Merseyside Derby on February 12.

Slot, 46, also has the chance to take Liverpool to the League Cup final on Thursday, though they must overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit against Tottenham. Initially, there were doubts about how he would adapt after moving from Feyenoord to replace Jürgen Klopp in the summer. However, after meeting him multiple times and observing his approach in the dugout, Riise has identified what makes him so effective.

Speaking exclusively to the ECHO on behalf of Bet365, Riise—who won the Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup during his seven years at Anfield—admitted there was uncertainty about Slot’s arrival.

“At first, nobody really knew what to expect,” he said. “We knew he had done well at his previous club, but beyond that, he was a bit of an unknown. However, he came in with a sense of calm.

“I’ve met him a couple of times now at Anfield, and the way he speaks and carries himself on the bench during games—he looks completely in control. He knows exactly what he’s doing. The players are responding to his tactics in training, and it’s clear that both he and his coaching staff have the full trust of the squad.”

Expectations for Slot were relatively low, especially after a quiet first transfer window that saw only Federico Chiesa arrive from Juventus. Yet, after finishing atop their Champions League group with seven wins from eight matches and maintaining their Premier League lead, Riise believes Liverpool’s potential this season is limitless.

“I think many, including myself, are surprised by how well they’ve performed in both the Premier League and the Champions League,” he continued. “They’re playing outstanding football.

“Slot has built on Klopp’s foundations and, in some ways, taken things even further. I genuinely believe they can go all the way. The Champions League is tricky, with ties being decided over just two games, but in the Premier League, I’m confident we’re goin

g to win it.”