Arne Slot has expressed that the chance to work at Liverpool was a difficult one to reject after being confirmed as the Reds’ new head coach on Monday, May 20, 2024.
In April 2024, Liverpool agreed to a compensation deal with Feyenoord estimated to be about £9.4 million after Slot was identified as the successor to Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp, who had been manager of the Reds since October 2015, left the Anfield side following the expiration of the 2023/24 season, with his culminating fixture being the 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
Following the encounter, Jurgen Klopp called on Liverpool supporters to rally behind their new gaffer, chanting “Arne Slot, na na na na na”.
Slot has penned a three-year deal at the Merseyside-based club, which will officially commence on June 1, 2024, subject to sorting out a work permit.
Arne Slot On The Coaching Job At Liverpool
Speaking with Feyenoord’s Website, Arne Slot expressed that it “was difficult to ignore” the opportunity to work in the Premier League and to manage a club as big as Liverpool.
Slot said: “It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people.
“But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore.”
The 45-year-old guided Feyenoord to the 2022-23 Eredivisie title, while in this campaign, they have lifted the Dutch Cup and finished as runners-up in the league.
Reports indicate that the attacking pattern of Slot’s teams, alongside his personality and ability to develop players were key factors in making him Liverpool’s primary option for the job.
Arne Slot was appointed as Feyenoord manager in 2021 and he indicated his interest in managing in the Premier League when he was linked with Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.
Managers Linked To Liverpool
Moreover, Xabi Alonso, whose Bayer Leverkusen side remain unbeaten across all competitions this campaign, and ended the Bundesliga season as champions without a defeat, was also linked to Liverpool.
Alonso is also hoping to guide Leverkusen to a treble, with the team in the final of the DFB-POKAL and UEFA Europa League.
Xabi Alonso poured cold water on speculations linking him to other clubs, as he stressed that he would remain manager of Bayer Leverkusen for the time being.
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim was also reported as a candidate for the managerial role at Liverpool, but he apparently wasn’t keen on leaving the Portuguese giants.
Meanwhile, Slot spent the entirety of his playing career in the Netherlands, featuring for Sparta Rotterdam, NAC Breda, and PEC Zwolle.
Arne Slot made above 380 club career appearances, before retiring in 2013. Following retirement, he started his coaching career as a youth manager at PEC Zwolle.
Slot then departed the Dutch side for SC Cambuur to become an assistant manager.
Arne Slot joined AZ Alkmaar in 2017 and was subsequently promoted to become manager of the side in 2019.
During his first season handling the side, they sat second on the log, level on points with leaders Ajax, when the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in the season ending abruptly.
Arne Slot was dismissed by AZ Alkmaar in December 2020 when the club found out that he had been negotiating with Feyenoord.
Slot was appointed manager of Feyenoord in the summer of 2021, and as earlier indicated, he led the team to the 2022/23 Eredivisie title.
The Dutchman also guided the team to the KNVB Cup this campaign, defeating NEC Nijmegen 1-0 in the final.
How Did Liverpool Arrive At Arne Slot For The Club’s Head Coach Role?
Liverpool’s search for a successor to Jurgen Klopp, saw them carryout extensive evaluation on different coaches, with the team bordering on several key elements.
Reports indicate that for Arne Spot, the Reds looked at data and character, with these ingredients being the top reason for handing him the job.
His record with Alkmaar and Feyenoord caught the eyes of Liverpool, as they saw him as a manager who could over-perform with limited resources.
The Reds also looked at his impressive record for developing players and a style of football they feel is similar to that of Jurgen Klopp.
Liverpool have gone for Slot due to their belief that they can easily transition to his footballing style, without the team being in turmoil.
Jurgen Klopp was associated with the“heavy metal” pattern of football, commonly known as “ghenghen pressing” and the Reds believe Arne Slot will bring a dynamic, high energy, and possession-based football to the Anfield side.
Additionally, Liverpool also look to be moving on a modern trajectory, as Slot was handed the title of head coacher rather than manager.
This is a move that helps in terms of the structural side of the club, as teams are moving away from the traditional style of management.
Teams also have other coaches taking charge of other activities, e.g. set-piece coaches, fitness trainers amongst others, also assisting the top boss during training sessions.
It will be fascinating to see if the tenure of Arne Slot will be successful and thrilling for Liverpool supporters.
