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8 months ago
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It is now a certainty, a page in Liverpool’s history will be turned at the end of the season. Three months ago, Jürgen Klopp caused an unprecedented earthquake on the banks of the Mersey by announcing his departure at the end of the current financial year. At the helm of the English club since 2015, the man who notably allowed the Reds to return to a Champions League title in 2019 followed by an English champion title the following year, justified his decision by indicating that he was at the helm of the English club since 2015. low on energy and it was time for him to take a break. Having been aware since November 2023, the Liverpool management, however, waited for the public formalization of the German technician to begin research aimed at finding his future successor.
Over the past few months, many names have been circulating on the banks of the Mersey. From Xabi Alonso, author of a fantastic season with Bayer Leverkusen, via Roberto de Zerbi and Ruben Amorim, two coaches in vogue on the old continent, the Reds have multiplied the avenues without them really materializing. However, it seems that the leaders of the British team are on the verge of reaching the goal with Arne Slot. Stationed at Feyenoord Rotterdam, the Dutch coach emerges as the main favorite to take over from Jürgen Klopp next year. The rumor that the 45-year-old technician is on the right end of the rope to move to Merseyside has gained momentum this week.
Knowing he was coveted by Liverpool, Arne Slot was quick to show his enthusiasm. Convinced that it is time for him to jump into the deep end, the native of Bergentheim informed his players in person that discussions with the English team were going well and that it would be likely that he would no longer occupy the position. bench of the Rotterdam club next year. During an interview given to ESPNthe main person concerned spoke about his future with a certain confidence. “I would like to become the new manager of Liverpool, my decisions are clear. Feyenoord and Liverpool are in talks to negotiate, I’m waiting to see what comes out of it. I am confident, I am waiting for the clubs to find an agreement”rightly declared the Batavian.
From Zwolle to Feyenoord via Alkmaar, Arne Slot has built a solid reputation in the Netherlands
In view of the elements previously mentioned, Arne Slot is predestined to become Jürgen Klopp’s heir to the Liverpool throne, even if for this the Reds will have to go to the cash register and pay a minimum amount of €10 million for to secure his services, at a time when his contract with the Dutch team runs until June 30, 2026. If this price may seem exorbitant for a coach little known to the general public, the latter has been able to build a certain legitimacy in the countries -Down. After a playing career which he ended in 2013, the native of Bergentheim became familiar with the coaching profession at PEC Zwolle then at SC Cambuur. In the second division, he participated in the crazy epic of his team which saw his adventure end at the gates of the final of the Dutch Cup in 2017 against AZ Alkmaar, his future destination.
After two seasons as an assistant, Arne Slot’s career really took off in 2019 when he finally reached the position of number 1. If he managed to drastically improve AZ’s results to the point of jostling with the Ajax Amsterdam in the title race during the 2020 season before it ended prematurely due to the Covid-19 epidemic, Slot saw its popularity skyrocket. This is why he is taking a new step by succeeding Dick Advocaat at the head of Feyenoord Rotterdam. In the space of three years, he guided his team to the final of the Europa Conference League in 2022 before winning the Eredivisie the following season then the Dutch Cup this season under the nose of NEC Nijmegen , April 21.
A forward-looking style of play and blind trust in young talents
In addition to the titles won, Arne Slot earned his stripes as a coach with a style of play that is unanimously appreciated in the Netherlands, driven by the desire to play forward while leading intense pressure on the opponent at the loss of the ball. A spectacular and attractive football which is similar to that defended by Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool. Like his German counterpart, Slot also does not hesitate to give young talents their chances to shine. Under his leadership, players such as Quinten Timber (the twin brother of Jurrien Timber, transferred to Arsenal last summer from Ajax Amsterdam) and Quilindschy Hartman quickly emerged in the Rotterdam squad to the point of becoming today indestructible. At the age of 46, Arne Slot has managed to impose his touch and his playing principles wherever he has gone. Now, he is about to take a new turn in his career, and not just any turn. However, some observers believe that a transfer to the Premier League does not represent an insurmountable obstacle for the former AZ coach, like Marco Van Basten.
“I really think he’s good. He could end up anywhere. Bayern Munich, Liverpool… I’m really convinced of it. I’ve spoken to him several times, and what he does and what he sees is very good. He gets along very well with his players, he is very tactically astute, calm and intelligent. If you make AZ and Feyenoord play good football, you will also make the big clubs play good football. I think it would only get easier for him because you have better players who understand what you want quicker. These players are also more stubborn, but I think Slot is smart enough to handle that.”declared the former Dutch international about him on Ziggo Sports. At the same time, the main interested party already seems to have convinced the central defender and captain of the Reds, Virgil van Dijk. “Arne Slot is one of the best Dutch coaches. With his playing style and his philosophy, he can be Liverpool manager.conceded the Dutchman after the defeat at Everton at the microphone of ViaPlay. The ball is now in the Scousers’ court.
