Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo is “very curious” to work under current Feyenoord manager Arne Slot after he succeeds Jurgen Klopp
Cody Gakpo shared his experience playing against the teams under Arne Slot while expressing his curiosity to work with him. Slot will succeed legendary manager Jurgen Klopp after the end of this season, ushering in a new era at Anfield.
Gakpo is familiar with Slot’s work at AZ Alkmaar and Feyenoord, facing Slot’s team during his time at PSV Eindhoven. During the 2019-20 season, the Dutch international experienced a breakthrough as the Eredivisie suspended play due to the coronavirus outbreak.
During the same season, Slot managed to challenge a formidable Ajax side with AZ, finishing equal in point in Eredivisie. The 45-year-old joined Feyenoord and achieved great success in both the domestic and the European competitions during his tenure there.
Gakpo told Viaplay (h/t the Liverpool Echo) that he is very curious to work under Slot at Liverpool next season. He said:
“To be honest, I have never worked with him. I know, of course, that he is a very good coach who has shown it at AZ Alkmaar and at Feyenoord too. Of course, we played against [his Feyenoord] a few times, they were often difficult games. I am very curious and I think we are all very much looking forward to it. The focus at the moment is not there yet and is now on finishing the last two games well, for ourselves, for the club, for the coach, and then we will look further at the new coach.”
Slot has used a similar philosophy at Feyenoord that Klopp applied at Liverpool which achieved incredible success for both the clubs. Furthermore, Slot has worked under similar budget restrictions and emphasizes developing young talents with fantastic man-management and coaching.
Despite facing criticism, Gakpo has immediately proven his naysayers wrong at Liverpool in recent weeks with impressive performances when the club struggled. The 25-year-old has made 51 appearances this season in all competitions, contributing with 15 goals and six assists for Liverpool.
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The fans are hoping that Slot can continue to bring the best out of Gakpo, given their similar nationality. The Dutch forward delivers consistently when he plays in his preferred left-wing position rather than playing elsewhere. Despite Gakpo’s impressive versatility, he needs to continue playing in the position that he is most comfortable in.
The 45-year-old has a big shoe to fill but he will receive thorough backing from the fans and management. Nevertheless, Slot is inhering a fantastic squad from Klopp which needs only a few changes according to his tactical requirements.
