A year after Klopp's exit, Liverpool are flying high

Liverpool have defied expectations since Jurgen Klopp's departure, topping the Premier League table and reaching the Champions League knockout stages.Under the stewardship of Arne Slot, who was brought in from Feyenoord last summer, the club have thus far avoided falling into a similar slump that followed the departure of other great Premier League managers such as Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United) and Arsene Wenger (Arsenal).Slot's arrival did not immediately seem to capture the collective imagination. But, for those in his homeland who had paid close attention to Slot's rise, there were no such reservations.Though early doubts about Slot's credentials had taken root in some quarters of the Liverpool fan base, Klopp was quick to put on record his enthusiasm for the appointment.Indeed, seven months later, the Liverpool supporters no longer need their former manager's encouragement to sing Slot's name.Liverpool's form this season has been so impressive that it is hard to imagine any other coach could have made things work better. So far this term, Liverpool have lost only twice in all competitions, dispatching the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City with ease and establishing themselves as one of the most feared sides in Europe.The true litmus test of Slot's talents will be whether he is able to lead Liverpool to major silverware this season. Having dropped off at the end of last term, neither players nor fans need reminding that there is still a long way to go until the finish line, and there will surely be plenty more twists and turns for Slot to navigate in the months ahead.