Former Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders revealed the big factors that make Arne Slot a perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp
Pep Lijnders explained the key factors that Arne Slot possesses, making him a worthy successor to Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool. Lijnders left Liverpool alongside Klopp despite being a serious contender to become the new manager after earning a strong goodwill.
However, Klopp’s second-in-command chose to stay loyal to the legendary manager and the successful project they completed together at Anfield. Although several clubs showed interest in Lijnders, he remained committed to the Reds through all the ups and downs.
The 41-year-old has confirmed his next job by becoming the new manager for RB Salzburg to start his managerial career. Lijnders earned the trust of the players, staff and Liverpool fanbase, making his evaluation of Slot very promising for everyone.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Lijnders revealed his history with Slot that goes back to a decade. He said:
“I know Arne really well. He came to my house in Holland about nine years ago. He came to speak to me about football. He drove for a long time to see me and he had a thousand questions. I tried to answer them all! Since then, we’ve stayed in close contact. He’s an unbelievable coach, who knows exactly what he wants and has the experience to be at a club like Liverpool. There are similarities between Feyenoord and Liverpool. Their fans are so passionate. They also sing You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The former Liverpool assistant manager revealed the big factors that made Slot a perfect candidate to succeed Klopp at Anfield. He added:
“You need a coach like Arne who is close to what we tried to do over the years, in terms of having the ball in the opposition half, pressing, counter-pressing — he’s very strategical in that point of view. He’s made good steps and now it’s the chance for him to make another big step. When I spoke with Mike (Gordon) and Jurgen, I said you need a young coach who can grow with this new team. Arne has everything in him to be a success here.”
Slot enjoyed great success in Feyenoord and the rise in his reputation attracted interest from several top clubs. However, the 45-year-old’s reputation is still unknown to several Liverpool fans and people associated with the club.
One thing is certain everyone trusts the judgement of Michael Edwards and the new sporting director Richard Hughes. Edwards is a cult hero at Liverpool after playing a pivotal role as the sporting director in Klopp’s era.
Slot enjoys the similar playing philosophy that Klopp established at Liverpool but there is a vast tactical difference between them. Furthermore, Klopp established a culture that successfully balanced the development of youth alongside the continuous pursuit of success and trophies.
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Slot has acted similarly at Feyenoord, developing obscure young talents beyond their potential while maintaining a successful status. The 45-year-old won the Eredivisie with the Dutch club in his second season, winning the KNVB Cup last season.
