Times reporter Paul Joyce highlighted the first task of Arne Slot at Liverpool, improve Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai
Paul Joyce pinpointed the priority task for Arne Slot to improve Liverpool players such as Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai. Slot is succeeding the legendary manager Jurgen Klopp this summer with a lot of fans unaware of the Dutchman’s prowess.
Slot has a fantastic reputation in the Netherlands and among the people who ardently follow European competitions like Eredivisie. The 44-year-old achieved multiple trophies during his time at Feyenoord while working under a restricted budget, competing with cash-rich rivals.
PSV Eindhoven won the Eredivisie title this season with the help of their super-team, dominating the league from the start. Nevertheless, the 2022-23 champions maintained their high-level performance under Slot, also defeating PSV in the KNVB Cup semi-finals this season.
Slot’s side eventually won the KNVB Cup this season while only losing two games in the Eredivisie throughout this season. The Dutchman has also earned an immense reputation for being a brilliant communicator and developing young obscured players into world-class players.
Liverpool have also worked under restricted budget under Klopp compared to their competitive rivals in the Premier League. The 56-year-old created a culture that balanced ambition to achieve trophies with developing talented boys into men surpassing their potential.
Writing in his article for the Times, Joyce formally announced the appointment of Slot while mentioning his primary tasks. He wrote:
“Dutchman [Arne Slot] will officially start at Liverpool on June 1 and will be tasked with improving players such as Darwin Núñez and Dominik Szoboszlai”
Szoboszlai started the season spectacularly under Klopp, raising the expectation from the fans after signing from RB Leipzig last summer. However, nagging injuries and a drop in form cost him the starting role during the latter stages of the season.
Meanwhile, Nunez played a pivotal role for the Reds but faced constant criticism from social media for being wasteful. He erased pictures related to Liverpool in social media while blocking many Liverpool-affiliated accounts due to the backlash.
The 24-year-old has immense untapped potential and the backing of the actual Liverpool fanbase despite the social media drama. Nunez also faced limited playing time during the latter stages of the season due to his poor form.
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Liverpool are still backing both Nunez and Szoboszlai to fulfil their potential at the club under the new manager. Klopp’s man-management skills and ability to communicate are legendary and fans are not expecting anyone to fill his shoes.
But the Kopites are hopeful that Slot will build his legacy at the club while the praises he has received from his former peers is a good start. Perhaps the tactical difference between the two managers and their different points of view on man-management is exactly what Nunez and Szoboszlai need.
