Ten points clear after May’s final game of the season, Slot won the title more emphatically than most of those famous four managers, too: Jose Mourinho did it by 12 points, while Carlo Ancelotti’s success was by a single point, Manuel Pellegrini’s by two and Antonio Conte’s by seven. Slot deserves to be Premier League Manager of the Season for all reasons.

He’s taken a good squad left him by Jürgen Klopp, tightened the defence, brought more control to midfield and marched towards the title. He makes good players even better. Fans worried about who would be holding midfielder. Slot stayed calm and backed Ryan Gravenberch. He worked with him one-on-one and turned him into a contender for Premier League Team of the Season.

Slot reinvigorated Cody Gakpo, who was flying from October to February when he scored 14 goals in 22 games until picking up a knock. Under Slot, Curtis Jones has grown into an England international and a force at right-back, at six, eight and 10. Slot has had an influence on Harvey Elliott, who came off the bench to such stunning effect at Parc des Princes. All of these were already talented players; Slot had just got them expressing themselves more.

He’s worked with what he inherited, which adds to the excitement looking to next season. Slot has already spoken of work in the background targeting players to strengthen the team and squad. He clearly has forged a good relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes. They’ll know exactly where to strengthen. Potential targets will know they will be joining a team who are champions of the strongest league in the world.

They will be joining a side with a proven, elite-level head coach. His impact is remarkable. Slot tends to deflect praise directed his way. He lauds the players, those who start, those who come on and those who remain on the bench. The very best managers inspire and organise the starting XI while keeping all the supporting cast feeling loved and primed mentally, physically and tactically. It’s in Slot’s nature. He cares for all his players. He makes sure all those not starting feel important.

Football’s tribal, and Liverpool fans won’t care what others think, but Slot is certainly respected across the country. He’s not complained about injuries: Diogo Jota for three months, Trent Alexander-Arnold (two months) Alisson Becker (two), Conor Bradley (two), Ibrahima Konate (one), and others.

The Dutchman comes across well in interviews. He doesn’t trot out platitudes post-match. He gives considered answers. You learn listening to Slot. He smiles, too. How many managers do that in such a stressful, high-stakes industry? He sounds honoured to manage Liverpool. He loves his job, loves the sport. He doesn’t appear to have a large ego or a quickness to show anger. He’s pretty controlled, barring one moment at Goodison Park (which Liverpool fans totally understood).

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Slot’s also not thrown himself towards the Kop. He knew the powerful relationship his charismatic predecessor, Klopp, had with his Anfield congregation. Slot’s not a rock-star standing in front of an adoring audience as Klopp could be. Slot’s less demonstrative but as emotionally engaged. Being Liverpool manager demands more than professional expertise and commitment. It’s more than a job; it’s about bonding with and representing a community. Slot does that well.

He deserves all the accolades – and a place in the history books.