An injury whisperer, soft rock and 'periodisation': How Arne Slot burnout-proofed Liverpool to prevent another second-half collapse
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Jurgen Klopp called it 'heavy metal football' and his right-hand man, Pep Lijnders, once had the phrase 'intensity is our identity' put up in lettering outside the dressing room at Anfield. The old regime was famed for its breakneck, high-octane, bang-bang-bang style. It blew teams away, even last term when many would fancy their chances and be leading at Liverpool only to succumb to the quick one-two of goals and be losing before they could pause for thought.
![[The old regime was famed for its breakneck, high-octane style and it yielded results]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/17/93717477-14247907-image-a-5_1735924156230.jpg)
Klopp's relentless style was the making of this team, who he turned from a laughing stock and sleeping giant to a behemoth of Europe once more ready to fight for the biggest prizes. But, whisper it quietly, this simultaneously may have contributed to their downfall in several seasons.
![[Klopp's relentless style was the making of this team, who he turned into a considerable force]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/17/93717447-14247907-image-a-6_1735924182362.jpg)
One year ago today, Liverpool were top, five points clear of both Arsenal and Manchester City, their main title rivals. Champions City achieved a 14-point swing on that to finish nine clear of the Reds, the Gunners ending up seven ahead. A reminder, if needed, that nothing is won yet and 60 points are still to play for. It may look like a foregone conclusion to outside observers that Liverpool will romp to the title – but that is certainly not the case in the mind of Arne Slot.
![[Burnout was certainly a leading factor behind their title bid crumbling last time out]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/03/17/93717435-14247907-image-a-7_1735924216041.jpg)
Last term, burnout was certainly a leading factor behind their title bid crumbling, as were subsequent injuries, Mohamed Salah's form fading, a leaky defence and, well, the relentlessness of City who did not lose after December 6. Jurgen Klopp called it 'heavy metal football' and his right-hand man, Pep Lijnders, once had the phrase 'intensity is our identity' put up in lettering outside the dressing room at Anfield.
![[Slot's style is less conducive to the aforementioned burnout as he bids to win the title]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/01/04/00/93728619-14247907-image-m-23_1735952309655.jpg)
