Liverpool’s Dutch players look forward to arrival of new manager Arne Slot
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Feyenoord coach Arne Slot waves goodbye to fans as he prepares to take up the Liverpool hot seat next season.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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AMSTERDAM – Liverpool’s Dutch contingent are looking forward to the arrival of compatriot Arne Slot at the club as manager, with captain Virgil van Dijk committed to staying at Anfield.
Van Dijk said he had already spoken to Slot and that he was eagerly awaiting the next campaign and working under the former Feyenoord coach, who takes over from Jurgen Klopp.
“I still have a year left on my contract. I am club captain and I have made it clear I am there for the new coach and enthusiastic over the next season,” the 32-year-old defender said on May 27, as the Netherlands began their training camp for the June 14-July 14 European Championship.
“Obviously, there will be a lot of changes but I am confident we will make a big success of it.
“I congratulated him of course, and I’m really pleased for him and his family. We spoke about the team and the future but now my focus is fully on the national team.”
Liverpool’s Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch said Slot had proven his worth at Feyenoord, where he won the Eredivisie in 2022-23 and the Dutch Cup in 2023-24.
“I think he can be good for my career, it’s a coach who wants to play good football,” said the 22-year-old, who signed from German giants Bayern Munich in 2023.
Slot was named Liverpool manager on May 20 as Klopp departed after a nine-year managerial reign.
The 45-year-old had previously told the media that he would be taking up the role, but the Reds did not announce it until the day after Klopp’s farewell game, in which they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-0 at Anfield.
“It is certainly not an easy decision to close the door behind you at a club where you have experienced so many wonderful moments and worked successfully with so many wonderful people,” Slot told Feyenoord’s official website.
“But as a sportsman, an opportunity to become a head coach in the Premier League, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, is difficult to ignore.”
Meanwhile in the Dutch camp, midfielder Marten de Roon has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after picking up an injury playing for Atalanta in the Italian Cup final, the Dutch football association said on May 27.
The 33-year-old suffered a muscle injury in the May 15 final, which his club lost 1-0 to Juventus, and will not be fit in time for the tournament in Germany.
He missed the Europa League final on May 22, which Atalanta won 3-0 over German champions Bayer Leverkusen.
“I can’t imagine I’ve had a week in my career, or in my life, that has had so many ups and downs. Lost the Coppa Italia, couldn’t play the final, but win the Europa League,” de Roon posted on social media.
“I spent a lot of time with the medical staff – it turns out I can’t play the Euros. I will get over it, I will watch the squad and my friends as a fan, but for now it’s a very tough day.”
De Roon has won 42 caps for the Netherlands, competing in the 2020 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Dutch coach Ronald Koeman will announce the final Euro 2024 selection on May 29.
After de Roon’s withdrawal, the Oranje’s provisional squad consists of 29 players, with three set to be omitted to make up the 26-man final squad.
In the run-up to Euro 2024, the Netherlands will play warmup matches against Canada and Iceland on June 6 and June 10 respectively. REUTERS
