'I disagreed with Arne Slot's appointment at Liverpool - but he's proved me wrong'

Former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol has confessed that Arne Slot has surpassed his initial expectations, having previously voiced concerns about the Dutchman's credentials to manage a club of Liverpool's stature.

Since succeeding Jurgen Klopp in the summer, Slot has made an impressive start, with Liverpool currently topping the Premier League table with six wins from seven matches. It has also a strong impact in the Champions League, where it has six points in the revamped league phase following victories over Italian sides AC Milan and Bologna in recent weeks.

Despite a surprise home defeat to Nottingham Forest, the only blemish on Slot's record so far, morale is high at Anfield. However, not everyone was initially convinced about Slot's appointment, including Nicol, who had questioned the depth of his coaching experience and whether he was the right person to lead Liverpool to success in the Premier League and Champions League.

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Although these significant challenges are still in their early stages, Slot has demonstrated tactical acumen and composure both on the touchline and in post-match interviews, which has resonated with Liverpool fans. It seems that Nicol has also revised his opinion on the new manager.

"I can't turn around and say I expected it (on Liverpool's nine wins out of 10)," Nicol told ESPN UK. "Most of us, including myself, were expecting some teething problems. Clearly, there was going to be some sort of a shift from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot. But they've managed to do it while winning games, and that's the key.

"And how secure does Arne Slot sound? He's saying all the right things and is really confident. He's not afraid to say what a great squad he's been left behind by Klopp. He really sounds like a guy who knows what he's doing and what he's talking about. He wants to be remembered for what happens at the end of the season when they are picking up trophies."

Back in April, Nicol, a Liverpool icon with an extraordinary trophy haul from the '80s, aired his skepticism, opining that Liverpool might require more stature in their managerial appointment post-Klopp. Despite acknowledging Slot's technical acuity, Nicol questioned whether accolades garnered in the Dutch Eredivisie were sufficient preparation for the challenges at Anfield.

"Is that the resume of somebody to lead a club the size of Liverpool back to the Premier League title and the Champions League? I mean, I can't honestly say that," Nicol reflected earlier on ESPN. He appreciated everything else about Slot - his style, his coaching methods, ensuring he could handle the squad.

"But is it really a resume to take over one of the biggest clubs in the land? I'm not sure it is, but what are the alternatives? This one's difficult, don't you think, because, number one, there's not a Klopp out there."

Liverpool legends and supporters are growing fond of the new 45 year old manager, mirroring Nicol's recent shift in sentiment. However, as the international break concludes, a daunting period looms for Slot at Liverpool with a string of tough fixtures on the horizon.

The Reds' mettle will be put to the test with forthcoming clashes against Manchester City, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Aston Villa, all while balancing crucial Champions League encounters with heavyweights such as Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen. Despite Slot's encouraging start at Liverpool, his sternest tests are yet to come.