Five things to know about incoming Liverpool boss Arne Slot
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Feyenoord boss Arne Slot watches every training session and obsessively studies future opponents.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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THE HAGUE – Arne Slot, the Feyenoord coach who was confirmed as Liverpool manager
A fan of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the Dutchman was a slick forward with a reputation as an accurate passer – so much so he has a move named after him.
Here are five key facts about the 45-year-old, who will replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
1. Arne Slot Pass
Slot joined PEC Zwolle as a 17-year-old striker known more for his technique than his running.
“Many people thought Arne was lazy and phlegmatic. But that wasn’t right. You just shouldn’t expect sliding tackles,” his former coach Jan Everse told public broadcaster NOS.
“Silky” and “cultured” are words often used to describe his playing style, and Zwolle still employ the “Arne Slot Pass”, said former teammate Bram van Polen.
The Arne Slot Pass is a slight deflection from a forward with his back to goal which splits the defence and releases a winger running off the ball.
2. Dressing room style
When Slot’s name became linked to the Anfield job, Liverpool fans, looking for clues to their future boss’ style, widely shared a rousing team talk he gave Feyenoord players after an historic victory at Ajax Amsterdam.
“The reason why we are where we are today is because you work your a** off every single day. And that’s the reason you could beat this team in their own stadium, without our fans being here,” he said in the dressing room.
“But it’s only a win. It’s a big win, but we have a bigger goal this season than winning for the first time in 17 years in Amsterdam,” Slot added, to cheers from the team.
3. Tottenham Hotspur links
Liverpool were not the first Premier League club interested in Slot. He was linked with Tottenham during their troubled search to replace Antonio Conte in May 2023. As Spurs were reportedly about to seal the deal, Slot abruptly walked out, signing a new contract instead with Feyenoord.
“The decisive factor was playing in the Champions League... I am having a great time and being able to build on the past two seasons,” he said then.
Feyenoord’s Champions League campaign got off to a strong start with a 2-0 home win against Celtic, but two defeats by Atletico Madrid sealed their fate, and they finished third in Group E.
4. Pep Guardiola fan
The British press have already dubbed Slot the “Dutch Pep Guardiola” for the high-pressing attacking style much beloved by Feyenoord fans.
In several interviews, he has cited Guardiola as his role model, telling Dutch daily the Algemeen Dagblad in 2023: “Players always look very good under him. And the same players seem worse with managers before and after him.”
Slot certainly admires the Manchester City boss, but will now face the task of trying to stop him from winning a record-extending fifth consecutive Premier League title next season.
5. Run, run, run
As a coach, Slot is known for a fierce work ethic, driving to Feyenoord’s camp before dawn, watching every training session, and obsessively studying opponents.
“You have to ensure that you create four times as many chances as your opponent and work twice as hard,” he said. “In all the matches that we have won this season, we see in the data that we have run 20 or 30 per cent more than the opposition. Matches we didn’t win – only 3 or 6 per cent more.”
This has led to results for Feyenoord, seen as a team with physically fit players who work hard for each other and often score late goals. AFP
