Arne Slot still trusting Jurgen Klopp favourite despite major Liverpool U-turn

No Jurgen Klopp, no problem. That appears to have been the mantra in the first two months of the season for Liverpool, who have taken well to life under Arne Slot.

Few could’ve imagined things going this well for the Dutchman during his debut Premier League campaign, but heading into the second international break of the season, Liverpool sit top of the table and have been good money for their early lead.

Last month’s defeat at home to Nottingham Forest is the only negative from an otherwise 100 per cent winning start, with Liverpool having triumphed in nine of their first 10 fixtures this season.

In truth, Slot hasn’t had to do too much work since taking over. The ex-Feyenoord chief added just one fresh face to the squad he inherited from Klopp and even then Federico Chiesa has registered less than 90 minutes of action since joining from Juventus.

Instead, bar the odd tactical tweak here and there, it’s pretty much been a continuation of the same for Liverpool – something that includes an in-game move that was a favourite of the ex-Liverpool manager.

With the game finely poised at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, Slot rolled a familiar move from the Klopp playbook, bringing midfielder Wataru Endo off the bench to sure things up.

It worked a treat, with the Japanese international able to use his experience to help secure the three points for Liverpool and maintain their stellar start to the season.

But while Endo featuring for the six-time European champions was a familiar sight last season, the former Stuttgart star’s minutes have come at a premium this time around.

It’s clear Slot doesn’t quite trust him as much as his predecessor did, with Liverpool actively exploring the holding midfielder market during the summer transfer window.

In the end, a move for Martin Zubimendi failed to transpire, but it’s fair to assume Endo would’ve featured even less, or perhaps even have been shown the door, had the Spaniard put pen to paper on an Anfield move.

It’s reassuring for those of a Liverpool persuasion that Slot is happy to throw his weight behind all members of the squad, as they gear up for what could be an unlikely title challenge.

Whether Liverpool re-enter the race to sign Zubimendi in January is yet to be seen, but given there are still plenty of matches on three different fronts to come before that, Slot being able to rely on Endo – a former favourite of Klopp – is yet another boost for the high-flying Merseyside outfit.