Steve McManaman says he’s heard that Arne Slot is initially taking a different approach to the Liverpool reserves compared to Jurgen Klopp.
When the German was in charge of the Reds, he only sent players out on loan that were definitely not going to get any chances in the first team or players who specifically needed a full season to develop.
This summer, despite Liverpool not signing many players – only Federico Chiesa – Arne Slot sent several young players on loan including Stefan Bajcetic.
McManaman applauds Slot approach to loans this season
Steve McManaman (L) greets Trent Alexander-Arnold (R). Credit: Imago Images
Speaking on ESPN, the former Liverpool star says that while Slot’s approach is different to what we’re used to under Klopp, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“I think there’s a distinct change between him and Jurgen Klopp just by the amount of outgoings there’s been,” said the 52-year-old.
“Klopp relied a lot on the youngsters to a certain extent over the time where Arne Slot has literally said to the U21 and the loans manager that a lot of them can leave, a lot of them can go on loan.
“So, there’s a lot of them that have been shipped out to get experience elsewhere, which is no bad thing to be very honest, they need to play games, particularly at the age of 19 and 20, and he’s got off to a good start.”
Liverpool squad depth is good enough and if necessary, loanees can be recalled
Liverpool have long since been a club famed for promoting from within whenever possible.
Steven Gerrard is the most famous example while the club’s current vice-captain, Trent Alexander-Arnold, is one of the most successful players promoted from an academy currently still playing for that club.
Slot deserves the benefit of the doubt with his loan policy this season but if it doesn’t work out, Liverpool can come to an agreement with the clubs of their loanees to recall them if they really need to.
