Arne Slot has given his inaugural interview as Liverpool’s new head coach. Here are five key takeaways from his initial discussion with the club’s media.
Arne Slot has given his first interview since becoming Liverpool’s new head coach, addressing various topics upon his arrival on Merseyside.
In discussions with the club’s media, Slot prepares for his debut season in charge, having succeeded Jurgen Klopp earlier this summer after a successful tenure at Feyenoord.
He is scheduled to meet his new squad next month as Liverpool begin their pre-season preparations. Additionally, Slot is now aware that his first competitive match in charge will be against Ipswich Town, marking the start of Liverpool’s campaign in the new Premier League season.
Before that, Slot will have plenty of tasks to complete. Here are five insights gleaned from his inaugural interview as Liverpool’s manager.
Why the Unveiling Took So Long
Slot’s appointment had been widely anticipated long before it was officially announced on May 20, the day following Jurgen Klopp’s final match at Anfield. However, following the confirmation, Slot maintained a low profile, leaving fans somewhat apprehensive due to the absence of an official unveiling until today. Nonetheless, Slot reassured supporters that he had been actively engaged during this period.
Regarding the delay in his public introduction, Slot remarked, “I think it is, because of a few reasons. First and foremost, maybe the farewell of Jurgen, which was really special from what I saw.”
“It was on the same day I left Feyenoord as well but I did see a few things and afterwards there was even a few more farewells from what I saw, so I think it was fair to him and to the club and to the supporters to wait a bit and then to come in.
“Apart from that, I went on holiday as you probably can see! And yeah, I think now is a good moment to arrive here and talk to you, but let’s be clear: I don’t start today, I’ve been in a lot of contact with staff members already – from people who are working here to the new staff members that are coming in – and, of course, almost every day Richard [Hughes] and me are calling each other because we have to talk.
“This is also a very important phase for the new season, to make sure the team is ready, and we have to play in the pre-season. So, a lot of things have been done but more in the background and now I am sitting here in front of you, I think it’s a good moment to do it now for the few reasons I just gave you.”
He’s Spoken to Jurgen Klopp
Slot faces a daunting challenge as he steps in. Klopp famously revitalised Liverpool upon his arrival in 2015, lifting them from mid-table mediocrity to capturing every major trophy, including their first league title in three decades. Now enjoying a deserved break, the German has graciously offered advice to his successor, Slot, as revealed in their recent discussions.
“I did the same in my former clubs when I started over there but I think if someone worked at a club for nine years [and had] been so successful, you want to know all about it from him and you also want to know things of the players – although I think it is also important to get my own opinion about that. So, you can only use all this information he has because he did so well, not only in terms of results but I think also everybody saw in his farewell but also in the years before that how popular he was.
“He gave me more than a few good tips but I think what stood out for me was that he was so happy for me and that – and I think he said this in the media as well – he would be my biggest fan from now on because he supports Liverpool in the best possible way, and you don’t see this very often. So, it says a lot about his character, the way he handled this situation as well.”
He’ll Play a Similar Style
Liverpool opted for Slot as Klopp’s successor primarily because of the resemblance between his Feyenoord team’s playing style in the Eredivisie and Klopp’s. Slot intends to bring this style to Anfield, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition to his tenure as head coach.
“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.”
What His New Title Means
Slot, unlike Klopp who was titled as manager during his tenure at Liverpool, comes to the club as head coach. Many have speculated that this new title suggests he will have less influence than his predecessor, who increasingly took on responsibilities such as transfers and other off-field matters.
Slot clarified the responsibilities that come with his new title and discussed its implications for this summer’s transfers alongside sporting director Richard Hughes.
“For me, it is normal because this is the way it is in Europe and in Holland. I don’t think there is much of a change between a head coach and a manager, it’s just that by being a head coach I can go in fully to the things I would like to do.
“So, work with the team, prepare the team in the best possible way, and me and Richard are going to work together when it comes to transfers but not only the two of us – there is a big backroom staff included in this as well.
“I think for me it is the way I have worked always and it for me is the ideal way of working because I can use the most of my time by working with the team and the time that is left will probably be a bit for the family and a bit to talk with Richard about how we can strengthen the team. But we already have a really strong team.”
His Backroom Staff
Slot has confirmed the appointment of three new members to his coaching team at Anfield. Sipke Hulshoff, who previously served as his assistant at Feyenoord and alongside Ronald Koeman with the Netherlands national team, will take on the role of assistant coach. Ruben Peeters joins as the performance coach, while Fabian Otte, previously at Borussia Monchengladbach and currently with the USA at the Copa America, becomes the club’s new goalkeeping coach.
Further additions to the coaching staff are anticipated before Liverpool kicks off their new season in August. Slot is scheduled to lead the team for the first time during the club’s pre-season tour of the US next month.
In other Liverpool news, Liverpool Will Now “Really Try” to Sign “Special” Player This Summer