From Klopp to Slot: What Christian Leaders Can Learn from Liverpool FC

We’ve done it again! And I’m ecstatic! Liverpool FC are the Premier League champions - and this time, under the management of Arne Slot. But beyond the euphoria of silverware and celebration as a Liverpool fan, the moment offers a wonderful story - and example - of leadership transition done exceptionally well.

Few could have predicted what a masterclass in leadership succession the shift from Jürgen Klopp - the much-loved, larger-than-life embodiment of Liverpool FC - to the relatively unknown Arne Slot was going to be. For Christian leaders I believe it holds some timely wisdom.

Build, Don’t Bulldoze

Slot didn’t arrive with a wrecking ball - he arrived with respect. Rather than discard Klopp’s legacy simply to assert his authority, he built upon it. He trusted the players, the culture, the groundwork that Klopp had put in place. And in doing so, he demonstrated a counter-cultural leadership ethos: you don’t have to tear down the past to lead the future.

Romans 12:10 reminds us to “honour one another above yourselves”. This principle, when applied to leadership transitions, is important. Too often, we see new leaders eager to "make their mark" through abrupt change or seeking to erase the past. Sometimes that’s necessary - especially in moments of moral failure, crisis, or deep organisational dysfunction. Think of Josiah tearing down the high places (2 Kings 23). But more often, change is healthiest when it’s layered with continuity and respect.

Keeping the Spotlight on the Mission

The headlines after Liverpool’s latest Premier League triumph rightly made much of Slot leading the Anfield faithful in singing Klopp’s name - an act of reciprocation after Klopp sang the name of his successor during his final match in charge of Liverpool. And - after the amazing 2024/2025 Premier League victory - Slot has been quick to share the credit, often pointing to Klopp’s influence on the team’s character and culture. He hasn’t grabbed the spotlight but has served the story. That kind of humility is rare - and refreshing.

As Proverbs 27:2 advises, “let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips”. In Christian leadership, where ego can masquerade as vision or advancing in the name of Jesus, humility is both a safeguard and a strength. A leader who honours what came before and doesn’t seek to claim all the credit (or apportion all the blame!) earns the trust to carry things forward.

Win with Thanks, Not Ego

One of the most beautiful things about the Liverpool FC managerial succession transition was the genuine gratitude on both sides. Klopp didn't clutch power, and Slot didn’t pretend history started with him. Their mutual appreciation modelled a leadership culture built on trust, not personal bragging rights.

Paul’s letters are filled with this kind of spirit: “I thank my God every time I remember you” (Philippians 1:3). Gratitude isn't just a feeling - it’s a relational posture. For churches and ministries, especially during transitions, a thankful heart can disarm fear and uncertainty, and also pave the way for unity and continuity of vision.

Legacy Isn’t What You Do - It’s Who You Raise

Klopp left behind a squad and a club that was capable of winning one of the most coveted prizes in football! But Klopp won’t be remembered just for his trophies or for the exciting football and hope he brought back to Liverpool FC, but also for how he exited: with grace, intention, and an eye on the club’s future flourishing! That’s leadership! Not clinging to control or self-interest, but preparing others to run the race well - and stepping aside, when the time is right, so others can do it. 

As Christian leaders, let’s remember: “one sows and another reaps” (John 4:37). Your chapter may end one day - but the story continues. And if those who follow you succeed, that is, at least in part, to your credit too; it should also be to your joy and it will definitely be to God’s glory. Preparing others, even better than yourself, is indeed the mark of legacy, not loss. 

A Vision that’s Bigger than One Person

Liverpool’s latest triumph is a reminder that succession, when done with humility, honour, and heart, can be a God-glorifying thing. It’s not about a clinging to power or even a handover of power; it’s about the stewardship of a vision that’s bigger than one person.

Interestingly, when Klopp announced his intended departure, there was no crisis at Liverpool FC (contrary to what some hopeful fans of rival teams claimed!). There was no frantic backroom reshuffling. No identity crisis. Why? Because succession had already been seeded in the culture - and Klopp genuinely cared about the club going from strength to strength in the future (I believe he even played a part in identifying Slot as his successor).

Let’s be honest - not every club has nailed this. A certain red team from the North West of England (no names, but their initials might be M and U!) could probably learn a thing or two about leadership succession from Liverpool FC. But in all seriousness, this isn’t just about fun football rivalries; whether you're leading a church, a business, a charity, or even a sports team, leadership transitions can make or break the future.

Good and Faithful Servant

The apostle Paul said: “...the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). Christian leadership should never be just about the now - it should be about the next too.

So here’s to the Klopps and the Slots! May we lead well - and may we let go well. And may we always remember that in God's kingdom, greatness looks like one servant handing over the baton to another servant - and then each of us hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (Matthew 25:23).