Arne Slot wants Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo to win the 2024 Euros with Netherlands
Arne Slot has spoken for the first time since being appointed the new head coach of Liverpool.
The Dutchman, 45, moves to Anfield after spending the last three years with Feyenoord. He won the Eredivisie title and the KNVB Cup during his time at Feyenoord, giving the fans a lot of happy moments to cheer about. Now, Arne Slot has taken over the biggest job of his managerial career thus far, replacing one of the iconic managers, Jurgen Klopp at Anfield. On Wednesday, the 45-year-old’s first official Liverpool interview was released.
During his chat with the club media, Arne Slot revealed that skipper and compatriot Virgil van Dijk was the first player he spoke to.
“I’ve reached out to a few of them – all of them after Jürgen left, because I thought that was really important to be fair to Jürgen and be fair to the players,” Slot stated in his first interview with Liverpool.
“Because they had to end the season and I don’t think I would be really happy if my successor would have called players before I left the club. Then I think it’s normal to start with the captain, which is Virgil [van Dijk], which is an easy one for me because we could speak Dutch!”
The Netherlands are competing at the 2024 European Championships in Germany and have started the tournament well, winning their opening group-stage fixture 2-1 against Poland last weekend.
With the Oranje at the Euros 2024, it is unsurprising to see Slot rooting for his national team and wants Liverpool stars Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo to go all the way in Germany. The Dutchman also elaborated that he opted against contacting the complete Reds’ squad due to their active international commitments.
“And from there on I called a few others, but not many of them because most of them are in preparation, or at this moment playing, at the Euros, and some others are in preparation at the Copa America, he added.
“So I think the best way is to keep a certain distance but also be interested in them as well. And hoping that most of them – especially the Dutch! – will still be as long as possible away so they will reach the final. Then afterwards I will get to meet them and I think that’s a better way of getting to know each other than by phone or Zoom meetings.”
A large group of Liverpool players are participating in major international tournaments this summer. Slot has spoken to some of his players, including skipper Van Dijk, as he is happy to let much of his squad concentrate on their commitments with their nations.
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As far as the 2024 Euros go, it is absolutely clear who he wants to win the glitz and glamourous tournament. Van Dijk and Gakpo had solid outings against Poland on Sunday, with the latter scoring the prized equaliser in the 2-1 win. The duo are key members of Ronald Koeman’s side, who are set to face France and Austria ahead in Group D.
This approach of Slot to taking it easy with the Liverpool squad and not hurrying to contact the players who are on international duty should earn him a lot of admiration from our fans as he prepares for the exciting job of replacing Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.
