Chelsea mounted a strong title challenge in the first half of last season before fading to finish 4th. However, they ended the season on a high, winning the Conference League and the FIFA Club World Cup.

"Chelsea have squad depth, quality, and a good manager," Slot said at a press conference on 14/8, ahead of Liverpool's opening Premier League match against Bournemouth. "Last year they were also in the title race during the first half of the season, but then had a difficult period. Now they have continued to strengthen their squad and will certainly be a title contender."

Manager Arne Slot lifts the Premier League trophy for the 2024-2025 season. Photo: Liverpool FC

Manager Arne Slot lifts the Premier League trophy for the 2024-2025 season. Photo: Liverpool FC

While Chelsea and other rivals faltered, Liverpool maintained their consistency to win their 20th league title, equaling Manchester United's record.

Since then, Anfield has experienced a summer of change. The club is still mourning the tragic death of striker Diogo Jota in a car accident. Darwin Nunez, Luis Diaz, and Trent Alexander-Arnold have departed, along with key reserves Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah.

Liverpool spent over 400 million USD to bring in five new players. Slot acknowledged that replacing four or five key players cannot happen overnight. "The new players have integrated well, but the Premier League has a completely different intensity compared to other leagues," he said. "The demanding schedule, especially when the Champions League begins, will be a big challenge. I believe that in just one to three months, Liverpool will be stronger than we are now."

Among the new signings, Florian Wirtz alone cost 170 million USD, making him the most expensive signing in Premier League history. Slot said Wirtz's integration has been better than expected, but time is needed for a proper assessment. The Dutch manager emphasized that Wirtz must reach the standards of Mohamed Salah, or even Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, to meet expectations.

"Why are Messi, Ronaldo, or Salah so highly regarded? Because they are always ready to play," Slot emphasized. "They are fit for every game. Wirtz must first demonstrate that in a demanding league like the Premier League. If he maintains good fitness, the fans will witness some great moments."

The 46-year-old manager also dismissed the notion that signing Wirtz, beating Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the process, was a "show of force." "We spent a lot of money on Alisson and Virgil van Dijk. With inflation, this is a comparable investment," Slot said. "Liverpool always has the ability to bring in top players, but that comes with having to sell players. The important thing is that Wirtz brings a type of player that we don't have yet, rather than adding something that already exists."

Manager Arne Slot shakes hands with Florian Wirtz during the FA Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 10/8/2025. Photo: Fantasista

Manager Arne Slot shakes hands with Florian Wirtz during the FA Community Shield match at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 10/8/2025. Photo: Fantasista

Because of the ongoing summer of change, Slot believes Liverpool will face more pressure this season. "Last year, people thought succeeding Jurgen Klopp was impossible," he explained. "At that time, I only needed to adapt to the existing squad. This season, the players have to adapt to each other because we've brought in completely different types of players."

Compiled by Hong Duy