“Gary Lineker Reveals Klopp’s Liverpool Feat That Even Ferguson Couldn’t Achieve at Man United”
“Gary Lineker Reveals Klopp’s Liverpool Feat That Even Ferguson Couldn’t Achieve at Man United”
Gary Lineker has been highly impressed with Liverpool’s performances under Arne Slot this season, highlighting the stark difference between the Reds’ smooth managerial transition and the struggles Manchester United faced after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
Despite their FA Cup exit, Slot’s Liverpool remains in contention for three major trophies. They hold a commanding 13-point lead in the Premier League, have secured a spot in the Carabao Cup final, and are set to face PSG in the Champions League. Achieving such success in his first season would be impressive under any circumstances, but taking over from Jurgen Klopp last summer makes it even more remarkable. While he inherited a strong squad, there were no guarantees that things would click as they have.
Manchester City’s dip in form has played a role, but Slot deserves credit for maximizing the potential of players like Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch while effectively managing Liverpool’s injury setbacks.
Reflecting on Manchester United’s post-Ferguson struggles, Lineker was quick to acknowledge Klopp’s role in leaving Liverpool in an excellent position for his successor. Speaking on Match of the Day, he said:
“If you look at Liverpool now, they’ve got a new manager in Arne Slot, and it’s a testament to how Jurgen Klopp left the club in a really good state. The structure is really solid. That probably wasn’t the case when Sir Alex Ferguson left Manchester United. Yes, they won the league that season, but it wasn’t their best team, and many of their top players were nearing the end of their careers. That led to problems.”
United needed a major rebuild after Ferguson’s exit, but over a decade later, they still struggle to reclaim their former dominance. Under Ruben Amorim, they seem further from a Premier League title than ever.
In contrast, Klopp departed Anfield with Liverpool on an upward trajectory. While Slot still has work to do, early signs suggest he is the ideal manager to carry the club forward.
