Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show Inside Arne Slot's Liverpool with James Pearce: Klopp's departure, Slot's appointment & winning the title
Nov 15, 2025
James Pearce, a long-serving Liverpool reporter and author, talks about his book focusing on the club's transition following Jurgen Klopp's departure. He delves into the complexities of replacing Klopp with Arne Slot, highlighting early signs of burnout and the seamless handover process. Pearce reveals how Slot's tactics transformed the squad and discusses key moments in their title-winning season, including critical matches and contract negotiations with star players. He provides fresh insights from his deep reporting that unveils the inner workings of the club during this transformative period.
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Seamless Transition Planning
- Liverpool executed one of the toughest managerial transitions successfully by planning extensively behind the scenes.
- The book explores why Arne Slot and the new executive team fit Liverpool's culture and needs.
From Daily Beat To Long-Form Book
- Writing a full-length book forced James Pearce to expand far beyond daily reportage into deep backstories and structure.
- He planned 11 chapters and found long-form work allowed new tangents and richer context.
Klopp’s Purposeful Exit
- Klopp showed self-awareness and managed his exit to protect the club's stability and legacy.
- He actively aided the handover, advising Michael Edwards and supporting Arne Slot's arrival.
