Sports
Arne Slot doubles down on Liverpool plans after subtle dig from Erik ten Hag
Arne Slot started work at Liverpool this month, having been confirmed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield after the German coach brought a nine-year spell to an end
New Liverpool manager Arne Slot believes there are similarities between the style of play he will employ at Anfield to that of Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutch coach was confirmed as Klopp’s successor at the end of last season and the German gave his sign of approval by singing Slot’s name following his final match in charge. The former Feyenoord boss officially started work at Anfield at the beginning of June.
Slot was unveiled on Wednesday as he completed his first interview with the Reds. The 46-year-old faces the stiff task of employing his philosophy in a summer impacted by Euro 2024 and the Copa America.
His job may be made easier by similarities in style to his predecessor. Slot admitted he had been inspired by both Klopp and Man City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s ‘scouting’ highlighted as much.
“I think there are and I think that is also one of the reasons why I came in,” said Slot. “Because I think the way Liverpool ‘scouted’ me – I’m not sure if that is the right word to use – they were looking for, not the exact same type, but I think when something has been successful [with] a certain way of playing you would like to extend this or to go on with this. This is probably one of the reasons they came to me as well.
“Yeah, it is my style but I think it is the style of many modern coaches at the moment: we were all a bit inspired because of the rivalry between City and Liverpool. We were all inspired by Guardiola and Klopp and I think at a big club, which I worked in in Feyenoord as well, it is probably the only style you can play – to have the ball a lot, to have a lot of energy, and I think also now there are comparisons between the club I left behind and the club I am going to work for now.
“Both [sets of] fans love to see a team that wants to do everything to win a game and if things are tough they try to do everything to turn the game around and I think that has been done by Liverpool many times and I think that has been done by my former side Feyenoord many times as well.”
Liverpool chiefs were probably not taking the advice of Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, however. The former Ajax boss did not provide a ringing endorsement of Slot’s Feyenoord side over the past season.
“People have been going overly lyrical about Feyenoord,” said Ten Hag. “Feyenoord were steady this year, but not top. “PSV Eindhoven were two classes better in all areas. In terms of dominating the ball, in terms of putting pressure, in terms of intensity, you name it.
“Bosz and his staff did that top notch, but the rest of the club is also well put together. PSV Eindhoven were better than the rest by such a long distance, even so much better than Feyenoord.”
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