Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao praised new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot for his important influence in his career
Igor Paixao heaped praise on new Liverpool head coach Arne Slot for doing an “exceptional job” with the Feyenoord squad. The 24-year-old further praised Slot for playing a crucial role in the Brazilian’s young European career once he joined Feyenoord.
Paixao joined Feyenoord under Slot’s regime in the summer of 2022 from the Brazilian club Coritiba to bolster their attack. The Brazilian forward played a crucial role under the Dutch manager, establishing himself as an important senior team player at Feyenoord.
Paixao helped Slot win the Eredivisie in the 2022-23 season and scored the KNVB Cup-winning goal last season. The 24-year-old enjoyed a steep development of his skills and a rise in his reputation as Feyenoord enjoyed consistent success.
Paixao told Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte that Slot played an influential role for him to establish himself at the club. He said:
“He [Arne Slot] also helped me with my arrival, with my evolution, and I felt like I was helping him. I’m glad everything worked out. He did an exceptional job with our squad. I just have to thank him and wish him success at Liverpool. He’ll be missed, but he has to keep working”
Liverpool conducted thorough research involving several top managers before finalizing Slot as the worthy successor to Klopp at the club. Slot has worked in a similar environment and cultivated the same culture at Feyenoord as Klopp did at Liverpool.
The 45-year-old has worked under a restricted budget, emphasizing on the development of academy players alongside obscure talents signed cheaply. He built those talents into world-class players as they opted to either stay and succeed or move on elsewhere.
The only difference between Slot and Klopp is the tactical approach they deploy in the game. Where Klopp prefers heavy-metal football that focuses on direct approach and counter-attacks, Slot is more focused on productive buildup play. Both managers prefer attacking and high-pressing philosophy but Slot rarely uses a counter-attacking approach which allows players time to make decisions.
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The vast difference between Feyenoord and Liverpool is that the Reds are no longer a club that needs to sell. Liverpool stands toe-to-toe with top global clubs from around the world which is a big task but also an opportunity for Slot.
