The secret to Slot’s success

Monday, December 2, 2024

Liverpool's big lead, Hamilton worries continue, and farewell to a snooker legend 

In this week's edition of the Independent's sports newsletter, we bring you reaction and analysis to Liverpool taking a nine-point lead after a dominant win over Manchester City, what it means for Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola, and look at why Lewis Hamilton's form should be causing Ferrari some concern ahead of 2025... 

The secret to Arne Slot's success separating Liverpool from their rivals

As the Liverpool players came into the dressing room celebrating, the message from Arne Slot was immediate. This victory over Manchester City was one to be proud of but also to be set aside straight away. The point was something that has actually come up with Liverpool over the past few years, especially when compared to Pep Guardiola's repeat champions. That's that, while it's great to have a high ceiling as a team, it's better to have a solid base.

"If you want to win anything, it is not about what you are able to do but more about the consistency," Slot said after the game. "Only a few teams have won from City or from Real Madrid once in a while but it is not about winning once or twice. If you want to win anything, it is all about consistency."

The implication is clear. The team has won nothing yet. This could all still blow up, so make sure it doesn't happen.

Slot obviously has to look at it all like that, but there aren't many outside the club thinking the same way. That's because there aren't many precedents.

Read in full here

Newsletter written by Karl Matchett

Read more

In depth and this week's best features

Iga Swiatek, the case of Tara Moore and a problem at the heart of tennis

Sleep secrets of the pro athlete: Inside the eight-hours myth and much more

British & Irish Lions 2025: Predicting the squad to tour Australia after Autumn Nations Series

Don't forget to complete your registration

We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience.

By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including:

Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today. 

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

ExpressVPN

Rejoice football fans: You can save on a two-year subscription with ExpressVPN

Privacy, sorted: Claim six free months on a virtual private network subscription for a limited time

Lewis Hamilton's three-word admission that gives Ferrari a huge problem

So often a figure of hope and optimism, it has been tough listening to Lewis Hamilton's outright despondency on the airwaves in recent weeks. In many ways, stretching back to the Brazilian Grand Prix at the start of November, it has been a month which has been a stark microcosm of his final three years at Mercedes.

Now, in the wake of a torrid penultimate weekend for Mercedes in Qatar which included a race on Sunday with a false start, puncture and speeding penalty, it is back to that tone of straight-out despair. Right from the off after Friday's sprint qualifying session, Hamilton's words spoke more volumes than any overtaking manoeuvre on track ever could.

"I'm just slow," he said, fully aware of a head-to-head qualifying record this season which, with one race to go, reads 18-5 in Russell's favour. It is a startlingly alarming statistic, for a man who is statistically Formula One's best-ever qualifier.

"It's the same every weekend. The car felt relatively decent. No issues… not really much more to say. I'm definitely not fast anymore."

Those final words hit hard. 

Read more here

Read more

Terry Griffiths drew every drop from his talent and leaves a lasting mark on snooker

For a man renowned for his slow and methodical play, it was fitting that the career of Terry Griffiths as a snooker player and coach did not burn out and stayed lit for over four decades.

Griffiths may have been the tortoise to the hare of green baize rivals like Alex "Hurricane" Higgins and Jimmy "Whirlwind" White and did not court controversy away from the table.

But the Welshman, who has died at the age of 77, drew every last drop from his talent and his role in helping to usher in snooker's new era in the late 1970s and 1980s was no less important than more flamboyant contemporaries.

Read more here

READ MORE SPORTS NEWS

This handy portable charger duo is reduced to just £16.

INDYBEST / BEST SPORT BUYS

Black Friday 2024 live: Don't miss these last chance Cyber Monday deals.

VIDEO

Premier League club shows different experiences men and women face walking home from matches in powerful video

The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247

Join the conversation or follow us

Download the free Independent app

Please do not reply directly to this email

You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Sports newsletter.

To unsubscribe from The Independent's Sports newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.

This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345

Read our privacy policy and cookie policy