Former Manchester United player Robin van Persie praises new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot which could annoy rival fans

Robin van Persie believes Arne Slot is a perfect successor for Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, potentially annoying Manchester United fanbase. The former Man United forward also called Liverpool “one of the most beautiful clubs in England” while delivering his opinion.

Van Persie gained a lot of knowledge and help while working under Slot as one of the coaches at Feyenoord. As Slot officially joined the Reds to succeed Klopp, Van Persie joined Dutch side Heerenveen as their new head coach.  

Liverpool’s new CEO of football Michael Edwards and new sporting director Richard Hughes conducted thorough research before appointing Slot. As Klopp announced his departure in January, Liverpool deployed a thorough plan to restructure the hierarchy to help in the transition.

Van Persie praised Slot (via ESPN) for helping him develop while backing him up as a new Liverpool head coach. He said:

“He has done a great job and has made a well-deserved move to Liverpool. The club is very proud of that. He has done well from day one, based on his own playing style and his own principles. And now look where Feyenoord is, three years later. I think he will do very well. Arne’s way of playing is really in line with Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool is one of the most beautiful clubs in England. He has now been able to practice well, but in the Premier League it is tough eleven months a year. This is a great opportunity for him to prove himself. I expect things will turn out well.”

Slot is inheriting a strong squad from Klopp and their similar philosophy should help in his transition at the club. Furthermore, Liverpool have a reputation for showing patience and trust to the new head coaches despite the pressure of success.

Slot has earned praise for being a great communicator and having his tactical style of play that is attractive. The 45-year-old deploys a variation of 4-2-3-1 that changes according to the situation of the game and the opposition they face.

The only big difference between the Dutchman’s style of play from Klopp’s is that his style is more structured. Klopp employed a very fluid style where players interchanged positions regularly throughout the game while also lacking a traditional number-10.

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Slot uses a double pivot of midfielders while deploying a number-10 midfielder alongside the lead striker. Furthermore, Feyenoord under Slot replies more no positional football than applying counter-attack, a prevalent style at Liverpool under Klopp. Slot should maintain the culture and philosophy while implementing numerous style changes for the Reds.