Arne Slot's four-word response to Sir Alex Ferguson over Liverpool title blast

Sir Alex Ferguson, the former Manchester United manager famed for his desire to topple Liverpool from their lofty position, has yet to extend his congratulations. Perhaps he's biding his time until Arne Slot restores Liverpool to a level playing field with their fiercest competitors.

Slot's first season at Anfield has been marked by a quiet determination that required clarification on why this 20th title carries extra weight for fans who have endured a 35-year wait to see their team crowned champions in person.

"What is the perch?" Slot queried when informed about the phrase that became synonymous with Ferguson's 27-year tenure at Old Trafford. "Ah, okay. That would be nice."

Unlike his predecessor Jurgen Klopp, the 46 year old is a master of understatement.

Don't expect any theatrical fist-pumps towards the Kop or the cameras if the players Slot inherited from Klopp last summer secure the point they need against Tottenham to be declared champions.

However, it's worth noting that the squad assembled by Klopp managed to clinch only one Premier League title during his nine-year stint. Now, they stand on the brink of outperforming Arsenal, Manchester City and the rest with five games still to play.

Slot, the modest tactician, has shied away from self-praise, insisting: "It is for other people to judge me," and adding, "It would be a bit weird to judge myself. I can judge the performance for my staff and the medical staff - and they should get a lot of credit."

Acknowledging the inevitable challenges of the league, he said, "We had our injuries, but that's what every team has because you can't go through this league without injuries because the schedule is too much. We were always able to perform at our standards in terms of physicality, so that is a very big compliment to the medical and performance staff. And the tactical staff is also part of that process."

Slot mused on self-reflection, stating, "Maybe I will judge myself at the end of the season and see if I can do better. But to do it in public would just be a bit weird."

Meanwhile, Manchester United are enduring a 12-season title drought post-Ferguson, and Arsenal are likely to secure second place yet again, extending their championship absence to 21 years.

Both clubs have undergone extensive overhauls during these periods. Slot remarked, "The nice thing about football is that everyone can have an opinion. Because it (a rebuild) happened at Arsenal and at United everyone thinks that's the only truth there is."

He pointed out the potential for immediate success, referencing Barcelona's managerial history: "Other managers have been successful in their first season. After Pep Guardiola at Barcelona came Luis Enrique - and he won the treble as well. So it's not impossible. It's about the team you inherit. Was the United team at the end of a certain era?".

"It's so hard to compare things in football, never mind comparing things 10 years on when the Premier League has changed so much. The players have all had a very good season, worked very hard and surprised me in how much they want to do as a team to be as consistent as they are."

Slot's family and friends will be at Anfield, enjoying a trip that was planned weeks in advance because it's a national holiday in Holland. His parents will watch on TV back in Holland.

Slot's father suggested to his son back in January that maybe the Reds could add a touch of excitement to an incredible consistency that has taken them 12 points clear. But while the Liverpool manager will enjoy the moment his team crosses the finishing line, there will be no histrionics.

Slot said: "I enjoyed it a lot when Feyenoord won the title - but I don't go crazy. It wasn't like I ran three times around the stadium. I was just very, very happy inside and I shared my emotions with the people around me and the fans. I will never be the one who is the loudest or the weirdest in the moment. I'm just not like that."