It seems only a matter of time before Arne Slot becomes the new manager of Liverpool
Feyenoord has already agreed with the English top club, and Slot himself has also agreed. It’s just waiting for the official announcement. For many people, Slot’s name comes as a surprise, including Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler.
The Liverpool legend did not see Slot coming either. He is a well-liked figure at Anfield, having played as a striker in 300 matches for Liverpool, scoring 130 goals. But he too was surprised.
“I’ll be honest,” Fowler told De Telegraaf, “I never thought Slot’s name would appear on a list at the management level of Liverpool.”
The current manager of Feyenoord was not a name on Fowler’s list. “He was not someone you thought of when considering candidates to succeed Jürgen Klopp. In fact, I knew absolutely nothing about Slot. In England, few people know of his style of play; almost everyone has had to look up things about him on Google. That’s when you learn that he has done quite well at Feyenoord.”
Fear of ‘Frank de Boer’
Yet, analysts in England fear that Slot may follow in the footsteps of his compatriots. In recent years, Dutch managers in the Premier League have been more of a joke than a success.
Erik ten Hag is the most recent example and seems to be heading for dismissal from Manchester United after this season. But Louis van Gaal, Frank de Boer, Dick Advocaat, and Ronald Koeman (except at Southampton) also made little impression in England.
“That he did well at Feyenoord offers no guarantee for succeeding Klopp, who has performed at the top here for nine years,” says Fowler.
He also notes that Slot will immediately face challenges with Liverpool. Two absolute star players, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, are considering leaving the club. And what will Slot do with all the young talents, like Harvey Elliot and Jarell Quansah? Klopp had already indicated giving these young players more opportunities this season.
Klopp himself is confident that Slot will fill his shoes admirably, as the German stated in a press conference. “Slot is a very good choice; I like how he makes his team play.”
