Arne Slot admits he has “big shoes to fill” at Liverpool as he starts the task of replacing Jurgen Klopp.
Klopp’s departure at the end of last season after eight-and-half years at Anfield has created an opportunity for Slot to take over and continue the solid foundations put in place by the German.
Former Feyenoord boss Slot accepts it’s a daunting prospect but it’s one he is relishing.
Speaking at his first press conference this morning, the Dutchman said: “They are big shoes to fill but you inherit a squad with a winning culture. One of the reasons to come here is I feel we have a really good team. You want to work at a club with good players and an opportunity to win something.
“The past shows Liverpool can win trophies. I like to win and at this club there is an opportunity to win.”
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— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 5, 2024
Klopp was revered by the red half of Merseyside for his willingness to absorb himself in the city and, while Slot will try to do similar, he believes success on the field is the best way to ingratiate yourself with the fans.
“It will take some time to understand everything,” he added. “I will use my time to make the team in the best possible way for the first game. It helps if you get to know the city, but it helps if you win most of your games.
“One of the reasons they came to me is our playing style is not so different. We want fans to come to the stadium and see a team with a lot of energy. That is what I am focused on most.”
Slot has been observing the ongoing European Championship where Cody Gakpo has excelled in a wide left position for the Netherlands while Trent Alexander-Arnold failed to shine in central midfield for England.
Slot says he already knows where he will utilise them but will speak to the pair first.
He said: “I don’t have an opinion about their best position for their countries because I don’t know the other players. I do have my opinion about where they will play here but I will talk to them about that and work with them first before saying it here.”
New sporting director Richard Hughes was also present and he explained why the club had opted for Slot.
Hughes said: “The playing style attracted us. On all the metrics, Arne’s Feyenoord team came out really well. Attributes we would welcome here at Liverpool.
“This style of playing that Arne has been successful with is the most attractive to watch in my opinion. There is a duty here to play that kind of football.”
