British media has revealed that Liverpool football club has finalised an agreement with Feyenoord yesterday that Arne Slot shall succeed Jurgen Klopp as manager. According to the Press Association a severance package has been prepared for the 45-year-old, who by his contract had two more years left but has now accepted the deal. The BBC disclosed that the deal is worth up to £9.4 million (10.9 million euros). Slot had said Thursday that he was “confident” of landing the Anfield job.
Slot told reporters, “I would like to go to Liverpool. Now I’m waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I’m very confident in that,” he said.
Slot moved to Feyenoord in 2021 after impressing in his first managerial role at AZ Alkmaar.
From his record, he led the Dutch giants to the inaugural Europa Conference League final at the end of his first season, in which they narrowly lost 1-0 to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
He then delivered just a second league title in 24 years to De Kuip last season before penning a new three-year deal with Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Klopp is expected to step down by the end of this season after a nine-year reign which brought the Champions League title in 2019 and Premier League trophy a year later.
Speaking to reporters about highlight Slot qualities, Klop said, “I like the way his team plays football. If he is the one, I like that he wants it”.
“I don’t know him, but some people who know him say he’s a good guy. I like that a lot. So good coach, good guy. Looking forward for the club, if he is the solution, if he is the man, I’m more than happy.
He added, “It’s the best job in the world, best club in the world, Great job, great team, and fantastic people. A really interesting job.” He concluded.
Currently, Feyenoord are second in the Eredivisie table, with PSV Eindhoven nine points clear leading them.
Analyst believed that failing to win the Dutch title would be a disappointment for Slot, comparing him with Klopp’s frustration at Liverpool’s own faltering title bid.
Liverpool are in third place in the Premier League table, three points behind leaders Arsenal and two adrift of second-placed Manchester City.
City has a game at hand with both Arsenal and Liverpool, who appeared to have blown away their chance after defeats against Crystal Palace and Everton.
Liverpool has also endured quarter-final defeats in the FA Cup and Europa League.
Before the idea of considering Slot, Bayer Leverkusen boss and former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso was speculated to succeed Klopp.
However, Alonso is yet to make up his mind of walking away from Leverkusen after leading them to a first-ever Bundesliga title.
Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben Amorim being the second option for the Liverpool vacancy has preemtied his move by holding talks with West Ham about replacing David Moyes next season.
Accordingly, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk Slot’s attacking tactics could be the ideal match for the Premier League club.
Van Dijk said, “I think Arne Slot is perhaps one of the better Dutch coaches at this moment.”
“I think the way of playing and the philosophy he has, that he could be a Liverpool coach.”
