Fresh from delivering Liverpool their first Premier League title in four years, Arne Slot is already looking ahead. Not to contracts or transfer targets just yet, but to inspiration. And it hasn’t come from football.

The Dutchman revealed his admiration for rock legend Bruce Springsteen, whose tireless performance in Manchester left a lasting impression. At 75, Springsteen delivered a three-hour set with barely a break. For Slot, it was a blueprint for elite mentality.

“Talk about people having good habits, I have heard what Springsteen does in his daily life for what he does. I know how disciplined he is,” said the Liverpool manager.

“I liked to watch the joy he gave his fans. What I recognised is that people are as passionate about Bruce Springsteen as our fans are about Liverpool. That is a great comparison.”

“At his age, he is still about to do three hours on stage without even one minute of rest. He only took three or four drinks of water. It is unbelievable, his mentality.”

Slot’s attention to detail isn’t reserved for concerts. Back at Kirkby, he has not shied away from laying down clear expectations, particularly for homegrown talent. One such example is Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will bid farewell to Anfield this summer, with Real Madrid seemingly waiting in the wings.

Slot admitted he challenged the England international to show more during training, especially on the defensive front.

“I know how to with people and with players. It’s not like I only tell them ‘You need to do this’ – I also give compliments!” he said. “I am a true believer if you create habits every day, you have the biggest chance of achieving something. The superstars want to hear demands being put on them because they want to improve.”

After clinching the title, Liverpool endured three winless games. It’s a minor blip, but Slot sees it as a test of hunger. The manager is already thinking ahead to pre-season, with training resuming on July 8.

“I think one of the reasons why you play at a club like Liverpool is because you have elite mentality and the mentality of a serial winner,” he insisted.

“Even the Michael Jordans of this world have lost championships as well but they’ve won a lot because of this mentality and quality.”

Trophy Lift and Beyond

Jurgen Klopp will be in the stands at Anfield on Sunday as Liverpool celebrate their title triumph. But while eyes may glance fondly to the past, Slot’s focus is unwaveringly forward. With echoes of Springsteen’s stamina ringing in his ears, he’s setting the tone for what he hopes is just the start of a new era.