Football writer Dave Powell highlighted the similarities between Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, leading to the latter’s appointment
Dave Powell highlighted the similar style and philosophy with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp led to the appointment of Arne Slot. Powell believes that FSG encountered a unique situation in which they did not sack the manager for his philosophy and playing style.
Klopp has installed a culture that balanced the development of young players alongside the continuous pursuit of major trophies in football. Fans and the Liverpool hierarchy adore the attractive style of play and philosophy maintained by the 56-year-old.
Furthermore, Klopp is leaving behind a formidable squad compared to what he inherited from former manager Brendan Rodgers in 2015. FSG are fully in support of the culture and philosophy that Klopp established at Anfield, resonating with the old Liverpool way.
Speaking on Fabrizio Romano’s The Debrief (h/t The Daily Briefing), Powell highlighted the reason behind Slot’s appointment at Liverpool. He said:
“First and foremost, they’re in a fairly unique situation of they’re not looking to replace a sacked manager. They are acquiring a manager on the back of a fine manager who delivered success and put together a great team. They’ve got a lot of working parts in place, but they now need someone to guide it through the next phase. And I don’t know how up for the challenge they were of having someone come in with a potentially different style and philosophy that might require a significant overhaul of playing staff. I think they probably, like they did with Klopp, they put a lot of credence in terms of their underlying performance with their previous club, how they approach their style. And, I mean, they’ve got a coach in Slot, haven’t they?”
Slot has enjoyed great success in Eredivisie while managing AZ Alkmaar in the 2019-20 season and then Feyenoord until now. The 45-year-old managed to challenge a formidable Ajax team in the 2019-20 season until the coronavirus outbreak suspended the season.
Only the goal difference separated Ajax and AZ before the coronavirus as Slot’s team surprised the Eredivisie with strong form. The Dutchman joined Feyenoord for the 2021-22 season and he guided the club to the Europa Conference League final.
Feyenoord dominated the 2022-23 season and won the Eredivisie title despite Slot losing many key players before the season commenced. The 45-year-old has shown great man-management skills and ability to harness the best out of the available players.
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These qualities are parallel with Klopp’s and also their common love for the high-pressing, attractive and attacking style of football. While the step from Eredivisie to the Premier League is a massive one, Slot has a lot of foundation already laid to prove his naysayers wrong. The Dutchman sincerely has the backing of the Kopites and the blessing of the much-adored manager he is succeeding.
